REACH alert: new restrictions for the textile sector – clothing

The European Commission has proposed limiting consumer exposure to 33 chemicals carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductively toxic (CMR) by placing restrictions on the market in clothing, textile articles and footwear.

The Member States supported this proposal prepared in the context of a simplified restriction procedurein April 2018 (see reminder).

Chemical substances in the collimator are all classified as CMR and belong to the following groups:

• cadmium, chromium, arsenic and lead compounds;
• benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs);
• Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons;
• formaldehyde;
• phthalates;
• polar aprotic solvent;
• azo-dyes and arylamines;
• Quinoline.

Are concerned, all textile articles (including those made from recycled materials) which may be in prolonged contact with the skin or of which certain fibres may be inhaled during normal useIn addition to clothing, clothing and fashion or sports accessories, this also applies to household linen, upholstery fabrics, or reusable layers...

If it comes into force, this regulation will cover both private (B2C) and public (B2A) markets.

The proposed Regulation excludes:

• Articles (including clothing) of leather, fur and skin
• Closing systems (non-textile fasteners) and decorative accessories
• Wall carpets and wall-to-wall textile floor coverings, carpets, carpets for indoor use
• Personal protective equipment and medical devices
• Used items (second hand)

One complete list of proposed substances and limited concentration limits by weight is available in the draft Regulation which will probably be considered by the European Parliament and the Council in the last quarter of 2018**.

The proposed deadline for entry into force for the European manufacturers/importers concerned is end 2020 ! 

 RECALL

Article 68(2) of the REACH Regulation provides for simplified procedure to restrict the use of CMR 1A and 1B substances as such or in mixtures in consumer articles.

This accelerated processing process is reserved for the European Commission. skip certain steps of the usual restriction procedure - preparation of the dossier, public consultation, and prior advice from CARs (Risk Assessment Committee) and SEAC (Social and Economic Analysis Committee).

This procedure was first used in 2013 to reduce the use ofaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rubber and plastic articles (cf. International atmosphere of December 2013).

** Draft regulations available to our subscribers on request.

Last update: 19/10/2018

The procedure presented below was well endorsed on 10/10/2018 by the European Commission (cf.http://ec.europa.eu)

The press release states thatexplanatory guide on the restriction will be posted on its website after publication in the EU OJon the following page:https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/chemicals/reach/restrictions_en