Entry 72 of REACH Annex XVII: a high impact decision on the textile industry
In October 2018, the European Commission voted the addition of entry 72 to REACH Regulation’s Annex XVII, which restricts the use of specific substances. This decision has major consequences for companies commercialising or manufacturing clothing or shoes.
This restriction will start applying in November 2020 and restricts the use of 33 CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic for Reproduction) in textile articles coming in contact with the skin and shoewear.
These substances are for the most part used in the dyeing process of clothing. Among them, we find cadmium, which sometimes intervenes in the manufacture of specific pigments, or even Chromium VI and its compounds which are used as fixing agents in many processes. You can find more information on chromium trioxide and REACH Annex XIV here.
The other functions of the substances affected by this restriction are mostly material finishing, fiber production and some substances which are assimilated to impurities.
EcoMundo guides you through the compliance of your substances along the supply chain.
REACH Annex XVII restrictions
The Annex XVII to REACH regulation lists the restrictions applying to some substances, mixture of substances or even substances in articles. These restrictions aim at limiting the use, manufacture or commercialisation of certain substances by imposing specific conditions.
It should be noted that these restrictions do not apply to substances used as intermediates staying on site, used in scientific research, or presenting risk for human health only if used in cosmetic products.
Wish to know more about your substances' compliance?
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