Oeko-Tex Introduces New Test Criteria and Limits

The Oeko-Tex Association has revised and expanded the test criteria, limits and by-laws applicable to products seeking certification under Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

The Oeko-Tex certificate now carries a notice, advising that the "certified articles meet the requirements of Annex XVII of the REACH regulation (including the use of prohibited azo dyes, nickel, etc), and also fulfil US specifications for the total content of lead in children's products (CPSIA)".

The following new provisions will come into effect on April 1, following a three-month transition period:

·        Synthetic fibres, yarns, plastic parts, etc, will be tested for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon substances (PAH) in all four Oeko-Tex product classes. An overall limit of 10 mg/kg applies to the 16 defined substances, and 1 mg/kg to benzo[a]pyrene. 

·        The softener diisobutylphtalate (DIBP), which is likely be added to the list of REACH substances of very high concern), will be excluded from use as part of the Oeko-Tex certification process (in addition to phthalates, which are already tested for). 

·        Based on its explicit mention in the EU Directive 2009/425/EC in connection with products such as printed textiles, gloves, textile floorcoverings, etc, dioctyltin (DOT) will be added to the list of prohibited tin-organic substances. A limit of 1.0 mg/kg will apply to baby articles (product class I), as well as 2.0 mg/kg for articles of the other Oeko-Tex product classes. 

·        The transition provision for total lead content in metallic materials will be extended. 

·        For the purpose of supporting and optimising operational quality assurance for the companies that participate in Oeko-Tex on a worldwide basis, the association will provide its licensees with a quality-assurance package, starting in April 2010. It says the audits with take place alongside the company audits, which are already being conducted in some countries. The new audits will include production methods, auxiliaries, input materials and ingredients as well as future developments.

The Oeko-Tex Association says that, in the case of new certifications, company audits will be conducted promptly. Longtime participant companies in Oeko-Tex will be audited within the next four years and no later than 2013. However, they may also arrange earlier company visits by Oeko-Tex member-institute auditors if required.

Back to Index of February 2010