REACH OF EU

REACH Testing Guidelines for Textiles (2024 Update)  

Textiles exported to the EU must comply with REACH regulations, with a focus on testing restricted substances and Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Below is a detailed explanation of the testing scope, methods, and compliance procedures.   

 1. Testing Scope  

 (1) REACH Annex XVII (Restricted Substances)  

Covers prohibited or restricted chemicals in textiles. Common testing items include:  

(2) SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) Screening  

- If textiles contain SVHC substances (241 substances as of 2024) at concentrations >0.1% (w/w), they must be reported to ECHA (if annual export volume >1 ton).  

- Common SVHCs in textiles: PFAS (waterproofing agents), hexavalent chromium (leather), organotins (antibacterial finishes).  

 2. Testing Methods  

 (1) Laboratory Testing Process  

1. Sampling: Follow ISO 2859-1 to select representative samples (e.g., fabric, accessories, coatings).  

2. Sample Preparation: Use extraction methods (e.g., Soxhlet extraction, microwave digestion) based on substance properties.  

3. Instrumental Analysis:  

   - GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry): Detects azo dyes, phthalates.  

   - ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry): Detects heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni).  

   - HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography): Detects PFOA, nonylphenol.  

4. Report Issuance: Provide ISO/IEC 17025-compliant test reports (e.g., from SGS, TÜV, Intertek).  

 (2) Rapid Screening Methods  

- XRF (X-ray Fluorescence): On-site screening for heavy metals (Pb, Cd).  

- ELISA Kits: Preliminary screening for azo dyes or PFAS.  

 3. Testing Costs and Turnaround Time  

> Note: Costs vary by laboratory, sample quantity, and test items. Bulk testing may reduce unit costs.  

 4. Compliance Recommendations  

1. Supply Chain Management:  

   - Require suppliers to provide REACH compliance declarations + third-party test reports.  

   - Conduct batch sampling for high-risk materials (e.g., coatings, dyes).  

2. Product Tiered Testing:  

   - Children’s textiles (e.g., kids' clothing, diapers): Prioritize phthalates and azo dyes.  

   - Functional fabrics (waterproof, flame-retardant): Focus on PFAS and organotins.  

3. SCIP Database Notification:  

   - If SVHC content >0.1%, submit information to ECHA’s SCIP database (importer’s obligation).  

 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  

Q1: Does REACH testing apply to all textiles?  

- Yes, including apparel, home textiles, footwear, bags, and other textile-containing products.  

Q2: How long is the test report valid?  

- Typically 1 year, but retesting is required if the supply chain or regulations change (e.g., SVHC list updates).  

Q3: How to choose a testing lab?  

- Prefer EU-accredited labs (e.g., SGS, BV, TÜV) or CNAS/CMA-certified labs.  

Q4: What’s the difference between REACH and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100?  

- REACH is an EU legal requirement, while OEKO-TEX® is a voluntary certification (but covers some REACH requirements).  

 Summary  

REACH testing for textiles must focus on restricted substances + SVHC, ensuring compliance through lab testing + supply chain control. Recommendations:  

1. Monitor updates on ECHA’s website ([https://echa.europa.eu](https://echa.europa.eu)).  

2. Partner with professional labs for long-term compliance strategies.  

3. Increase testing frequency for high-risk products (e.g., children’s items, functional fabrics).