What do you do with your (unused) amenity kits .
Apr 25, 2020, 12:58 pm
#136
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I’m more confused than usual right now.
Apr 25, 2020, 1:45 pm
#137
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: UK. BAEC AAdvantage
Programs: Mucci Des Oeufs Brouilles et des Canards
Posts: 3,671
Depending on which market the products have been sourced from, they may have guidance/rules on them to show how long a product should be used.
For products in the EU market, you will see either a best before date if the stability of the product is less than 30 months, or you will see a period after opening (POA) symbol which looks like an open cosmetics jar with text inside - such as 12M, 24M etc denoting the number of months it is recommended to use the product after you first open it/break the seal. You can read the relevant legislation here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-cont...LEX:32009R1223. Note, that this only applies to multi-use products - products which are single use (essentially which airline amenity kit items could be designated as single use) may or may not carry the POA labeling.
For US products, there are not so strict labeling requirements in this area, unless the product is determined as an over the counter (OTC) drugs product, but the term "drug" is not limited to medication only - can also apply to antiperspirants, anti-dandruff shampoos, toothpastes or sunscreens etc. Otherwise, some manufacturers may put a best before date on the product.
There are a myriad of other labeling requirements for other countries.
That being said, I personally would never use a leave-on type of product after about 12-18 months that I received it - particularly skin creams, lotions, moisturisers etc - no matter what the labeling states, as it could be harmful to your skin. I would use a rinse-off type of product (bodywash, shampoo, conditioner etc) probably up to 24 months after receiving it - since it would not remain on your skin after use, but the efficacy of the product can reduce somewhat.
Please do bear this in mind when giving to charities - you could be doing what you think is the right thing, but actually it can be dangerous for the end user.
For products in the EU market, you will see either a best before date if the stability of the product is less than 30 months, or you will see a period after opening (POA) symbol which looks like an open cosmetics jar with text inside - such as 12M, 24M etc denoting the number of months it is recommended to use the product after you first open it/break the seal. You can read the relevant legislation here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-cont...LEX:32009R1223. Note, that this only applies to multi-use products - products which are single use (essentially which airline amenity kit items could be designated as single use) may or may not carry the POA labeling.
For US products, there are not so strict labeling requirements in this area, unless the product is determined as an over the counter (OTC) drugs product, but the term "drug" is not limited to medication only - can also apply to antiperspirants, anti-dandruff shampoos, toothpastes or sunscreens etc. Otherwise, some manufacturers may put a best before date on the product.
There are a myriad of other labeling requirements for other countries.
That being said, I personally would never use a leave-on type of product after about 12-18 months that I received it - particularly skin creams, lotions, moisturisers etc - no matter what the labeling states, as it could be harmful to your skin. I would use a rinse-off type of product (bodywash, shampoo, conditioner etc) probably up to 24 months after receiving it - since it would not remain on your skin after use, but the efficacy of the product can reduce somewhat.
Please do bear this in mind when giving to charities - you could be doing what you think is the right thing, but actually it can be dangerous for the end user.
I hope as the UK starts the Brexit Experiment that they don't abandon these consumer EU guidelines as part of some trade deal with a third world country.
Apr 25, 2020, 2:34 pm
#138
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,211
Apr 25, 2020, 4:41 pm
#139
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 610
A very kind poster a couple of years ago sent me a few amenity kits because i love them. We needed a toothbrush the other day and i found one i had put away from said kits. I am so eternally grateful.
Apr 25, 2020, 8:54 pm
#140
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Singapore
Posts: 66
Toothbrushes/toothpaste/socks/eye masks and ear plugs and pens get donated to an english center I volunteer to teach in Laos whenever I go up there. The students are very appreciative of this + usually i throw in extra stationery, a few books and collect used clothing in good condition to bring over.