The International Oeko-Tex® Association has issued an updated 2010 Restricted Substances and Limit Values List (RSL) which will be used to certify textile products to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. The RSL is updated at least once each year after Oeko-Tex scientists evaluate it against worldwide governmental regulations such as REACh in Europe and CPSIA in the U.S., the latest textile processing technology, and the most current human health data. The 2010 RSL went into effect on April 1.

The major updates to the Oeko-Tex RSL include:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH): Synthetics will be tested for compliance with strict PAH limits.
• Di-isobutyl Phthalate (DIBP): This softener has been added to the list of phthalates that are barred. Phthalates are regulated under both REACh and CPSIA.
• Dioctyltin (DOT): This chemical has been added to list of prohibited organic tin compounds.
• Quality Assurance: Onsite operational audits will be conducted as part of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification process.

“The first step in any textile sustainability strategy is having safe products,” said Sam Moore, Oeko-Tex U.S. representative. “Product stewardship must extend beyond manufacturing responsibly to also ensuring that textile products are safe for the people who use them.”