Limited restrictions
The second level of regulation would come with limited restrictions where there would be a possibility, under certain circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, to derogate (exclude) substances regulated at level 1 and 2. Derogations would have to be applied for by industry themselves. However, substances contained in the final textile product with harmonised classification as respiratory and/or skin sensitising (H334 and H317) would be regulated. This restriction applies to textile clothing or products referred to in Article 2.2 (b) according to the Fibre Labelling Regulation.
Lastly, there would be a procedure for including other substances – or groups of substances – and for lowering the maximum allowed concentration levels.
The Swedish Chemicals Agency also suggests including a procedure in any EU regulation to include other substances or groups of substances remaining in the final textile product on a case-by-case basis, in line with the procedure in the Toy Safety Directive (EG) No 2009/48 and its Annex C.
It also says that examples of substances contained in the final textile product that should be considered for further restriction are:
• Substances which are defined as endocrine disrupting substances (EDC), when criteria for those substances have been set1 .
• Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) included in the REACH Candidate List according to article 57d (PBT), 57e (vPvB) and 57 f (substances of equivalent level of concern, eg. endocrine disruptors).
• Harmonised classified CMR Category 2 substances.
• Self-classified substances when necessary.
The new KEMI report was developed in consultation with representatives of the European textile industry and advice from the Swedish Environmental Protection and Consumer Agencies, aims to help introduce unified legislation at the EU level that covers a wide range of hazardous textile chemicals.
Image: © Harald Richter | iStock
