For 2019, the objective of the OEKO-TEX® Association is to strengthen consumer protection and sustainability throughout the textile and leather value chain. Existing guidelines for OEKO-TEX® certifications have been modified in early 2019. The new regulations come into force on April 1st 2019, after a three-month transition period.
Below is an overview of the main changes:
OEKO-TEX® cumple con la nueva “Legislación CMR del Anexo XVII de REACH”
Benzene and four amine salts have been included in STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and the LEATHER STANDARD by OEKO-TEX®, which sets their limits. Quinoline, which has been under observation by OEKO-TEX® since 2018, is now also regulated with a limit value.
In the course of the standardisation of requirements the symbol “<” now applies to almost all limit values.
For more than 25 years, OEKO-TEX® strategy has not been to wait for legislation, but rather to be proactive as a pioneer in consumer protection. As a result of the implementation of the updates mentioned above, STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD already meet the requirements of the new “REACH legislation of Annex XVII CMR” (Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1513). In contrast, this legislation addressing 33 CMR substances will only apply to products as of November 1, 2020, making OEKO-TEX® a way to stay ahead while covering many other consumer issues.
New limit values for certificates
The incorporation of several substances: the siloxanes D4, D5 and D6, as well as diazene-1,2-dicarboxamide (ADCA). In addition, a requirement for barium and selenium extractable metals has now been established.
The requirements of Appendix 6 for phthalate (softener) parameters, as well as per- and poly-fluorinated compounds have been restricted, which will result in a lower overall impact on the environment, operators and consumers.
Glyphosate under observation
In 2019, two new product groups will be under observation: glyphosate and its salts, as well as the Carcinogenic N-nitrosamines and N-nitrosatable substances.
Glyphosate products are found in herbicides, receiving heavy media attention during 2017 and 2018, and were the subject of controversial debates around the world. At the end of 2017, glyphosate was temporarily approved by the EU for five years, despite the protests of various consumer and environmental groups. The OEKO-TEX® Association is currently analysing glyphosate more closely in textile materials.
A broad catalogue of products for sustainable production
STeP by OEKO-TEX® will be extended to cover leather manufacturers in 2019. In addition, the name will also be updated to reflect this integration: “Sustainable Textile Production” will become “Sustainable textile and leather production”, but the name of the certification will remain the same: STeP by OEKO-TEX.
