January 20, 2010
Following a joint resolution adopted by its 14 member institutes, the Switzerland-based Oeko-Tex® Association has revised and expanded the test criteria, limits and by-laws of the product certification process under the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. The revisions are effective January 1, 2010, and will be enforced following a three-month transition period.
New Provisions:
- Synthetic fibers, yarns and plastic parts require testing 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 applies to benzo[a]pyrene.
- In addition to other phthalates which are already tested, diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) softener will be excluded from use as part of the Oeko-Tex® certification process, since DIBP will likely be added to the list of REACH Substances of Very High Concern.
- Dioctyltin (DOT) has been added to the list of prohibited tin-organic substances. A limit of 1.0 mg/kg of DOT applies to baby articles (product class I), and a limit of 2.0 mg/kg applies to all other product classes.
- The transition provision for total lead content in metallic materials will be extended.
- Beginning in April 2010, Oeko-Tex® will provide its licensees with a quality assurance package in support of the certification process. Long-time participant companies 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.
As of December 2009, Oeko-Tex® certificates include a notice which advises 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 fulfill United States specifications for total lead content in children's products (CPSIA).
For more information about the revised test criteria, click here.