A couple of years ago I visited a craft market somewhere in Sweden. There was this lady that sold handmade potholders and oven mitts. The beautiful and colorful craftsmanship was covering the tables. A pretty picture. But a very much threatened one.
If the lady will sell potholders and oven mitts in the future she must provide them with the technical documentation showing that they have been tested and that they meet basic safety requirements. They also have to be fitted with a batch or serial number or another type of identification, either attached to the pot holder or in accompanying documents. She must also ensure that the pot holder is accompanied by instructions and information that can be easily understood by the consumer.
The regulation also says that:
"As far as possible, PPE 'enclosing' the parts of the body to be protected must be sufficiently ventilated to limit perspiration resulting from use; if this is not the case, it must if possible be equipped with devices which absorb perspiration." - Regulation (EU) 2016/425
I wonder what kind of devices you will have to equip the potholders with? A set of miniature fans perhaps?
The EU has since long had requirements for protective equipment used professionally. But now the regulations are extended to also apply to equipment for private use. Such as potholders.
Potholders have to protect us from the heat of the pots and pans. For this the potholders all other protective equipment for home use have to be tested if they can withstand 200 degrees Celsius and be fitted with the CE certification.
Will this be the end of the elaborately hand-crocheted potholders that you can find in every self-respecting craft market?
Just another day in Soviet Europe.