11 January 2010, Zurich - Based on a joint resolution
adopted by its 14 member institutes, the Oeko-Tex Association has again revised
and expanded the applicable test criteria, limits and by-laws of the product
certification process as per Oeko-Tex Standard 100 effective 1 January 2010. As
of December, the Oeko-Tex certificate contains 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 U.S. specifications regarding the total content of lead in children's
products (CPSIA; not applicable to glass materials)".
The following new provisions will go into effect following a
three-month transition period:
1. 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.
2. Considering
that diisobutylphtalate (DIBP) will likely be added to the list of REACh substances
(substances of very high concern), this softener will also be excluded from use
as part of the Oeko-Tex certification process (in additional to already tested phthalates).
3. Based
on its explicit mention in the EU Directive 2009/425/EC in connection with products
such as printed textiles, gloves and textile floor coverings etc., the Oeko-Tex
Association has also added dioctyltin (DOT) to the list of prohibited
tin-organic substances. A limit of 1.0 mg/kg applies to baby articles (product
class I), as well as 2.0 mg/kg for articles of the other Oeko-Tex product
classes.
4. The
transition provision for total lead content in metallic materials will be
extended.
5. For
the purpose of supporting and optimising operational quality assurance for the companies
which participate in Oeko-Tex on a worldwide basis, the Oeko-Tex Association
will provide its licensees with a quality assurance package starting in April 2010.
In line with company audits, as they are already being conducted in some countries,
Oeko-Tex auditors will be able to more effectively coordinate existing product
ranges together with local firms (with respect to the certification process).
In this context, production methods, auxiliaries, input
materials and ingredients as well as future developments will also be included
in a proactive manner. Company visits also provide an opportunity to provide
individual advice to the respective businesses. In the case of new
certifications, company audits will be conducted promptly. Long-time 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.
A complete overview of current Oeko-Tex Standard 100 test
criteria is available at www.oeko-tex.com/limitvalues . Detailed information regarding individual test parameters and the Oeko-Tex
by-laws are also available at the member institutes (www.oekotex.com/institutes ) of
the Oeko-Tex Association.
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