EU Public Consultation Targets Hazardous Substances in Textiles

FANLING, China - Dec. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- EU Compiles Preliminary Restricted Substances List

Textile articles and clothing were selected as a first test-case because of the high likelihood of consumer exposure to CMR substances potentially present in those articles. The consultation will close on 22nd January 2016.

The Commission is in collaboration with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and member states’ competent authorities to identify a preliminary list of 291 CMR substances in categories 1A (substances known to have carcinogenic potential for humans) and category 1B (substances presumed to have carcinogenic potential for humans) which may potentially be present in textile articles and clothing. The listed substances include dyes, pigments, colorants, phthalates, solvents, flame retardants and PAHs.

List of CMR substances – Classified dyes and carcinogenic amines (ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/10602/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native)

List of CMR substances – Petroleum and coal stream substances (ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/10603/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native)

List of CMR substances – Other substances (ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/10605/attachments/1/translations/en/renditions/native)

Clothing, Footwear and Toys Possibly Affected by Restrictions

The possible restriction would cover the following articles intended for consumer use:

- Articles that consist of at least 80% of textile fibers by weight, or
- Articles that contain a part that consists of at least 80% of textile fibers by weight.

The possible restriction covers raw, unfinished, semi-finished and finished goods, whether or not coated or laminated, including articles such as clothing, footwear, accessories, interior textiles, fibers, yarn, fabric and knitted panels.

Examples of articles intended to be covered:

- Underwear, nightwear, swimwear, garments, scarves, ties, handkerchiefs, hats, gloves, socks, footwear
- Footwear, clothing or their parts and accessories made of synthetic / artificial leather
- Footwear, clothing or their parts and accessories made of artificial furs or hides
- Interior articles such as hangings and curtains, carpets and other floor coverings, table mats, table cloths, towels, bed linens, pillow cases

Articles excluded from the possible restriction:

- Footwear, clothing or their parts and accessories made of real leather
- Footwear, clothing or their parts and accessories made of natural furs or hides
- Toys

Consultation Considers Concentration Limits and General Consequences

The proposed concentration limits are divided into two types:

- Specific concentration limit when available in legislation (e.g. 30 mg/kg (30 ppm) of entry 43 of Annex XVII of REACH for aromatic amines and azodyes)
- A generic concentration limit (50 mg/kg, 50 ppm, 0.005%) for all the other cases

A public consultation has been launched in order for the Commission to collect relevant information on considering the proportionality and enforceability of a possible restriction in the textile sector and the possible socio-economic effects of the ban. The list of CMR substances (individual substances or groups) covered by this possible restriction would be added as a specific appendix to Annex XVII of REACH and could be regularly updated when appropriate.

Reference:

[1] European Commission News Release – Consultation on a possible restriction of hazardous substances (CMR 1A and 1B) in textile articles and clothing for consumer use – 22 October 2015 (http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/newsroom/cf/it...)

About SGS Softlines Services

SGS Global Softlines has an extensive network of over 40 laboratories worldwide, with a strong team of committed professionals from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. SGS’ internationally accredited state-of-the-art testing laboratories offer a comprehensive range of physical, functional and chemical testing (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Softlines-and...) services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps your company ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Kris Wan
Senior Manager, Global Softlines Development Office
SGS Hong Kong

t: +852 27747492
Email: global.sl@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.