New OEKO-TEX test criteria come into force
Certification helpful step towards REACH compliance
In early January, OEKO-TEX® proposed criteria and limit values for tests on harmful substances in the textile industry. The test requirements are now part of OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and were implemented on April 1, 2012. The test requirements consider all Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Candidate List relevant for textile production including the 20 chemicals added on December 19, 2011. Every OEKO-TEX certificate issued will also confirm that the certified item group complies with the provisions of Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation relating to restricted substances such as azo-dyes or nickel.
The identification and publication of additional SVHC substances within the REACH regulations will continue to be monitored closely in relation to the OEKO-TEX test criteria.
The most important new regulations of the OEKO-TEX Criteria Catalogue 2012- Synthetic fibres on which solvents are used during the spinning process, such as elastane and polyacrylic as well as coatings and polyurethane foams will now also be tested for N-methyl-pyrrolidone and Dimethylacetamide.
- Relevant test samples such as coated items, plastic oil prints, flexible foam materials and accessories made of plastic are investigated for four new phthalates used as softening agents.
- The limit value for extractable chromium is specified for leather products in product class IV at 10 mg/kg. This exception from the usual chromium limit values for textile items corresponds to the best available technology in the market and does not conceal any toxicological risks for the intended use of such products.
- A new supplement deals with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification of items such as tents, prams, office chairs and rucksacks.
You can find more information about the new OEKO-TEX Test Criteria and about REACHCompliance from the Secretariat and from the member organisations of the International OEKO-TEX Association
