Chemical Safety in Your Textiles (REACH)
The EU strictly controls which chemicals can be used in textiles. Before you export to Europe, you need to verify that your products don't contain banned or restricted substances.
What We Check
Our platform screens your products for the key categories of restricted chemicals:
| Chemical Category | What It Is | Why It Matters | How We Verify It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azo Dyes | Synthetic dyes used in coloring | Can release cancer-causing chemicals | Supplier declaration + lab test |
| Formaldehyde | Chemical used in finishing and printing | Toxic in high amounts | Lab test (different limits for baby clothes vs. regular) |
| Heavy Metals (lead, cadmium, nickel) | Metal content in trims, fasteners, accessories | Can accumulate in the body | Lab test or supplier certificate |
| Phthalates | Plasticizers used in PVC and coatings | Hormone disruptors, especially harmful for children | Material audit + supplier declaration |
| PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) | Compounds in rubber and certain plastics | Potentially cancer-causing | Lab test (important for recycled rubber) |
| Flame Retardants | Chemicals added to slow burning | Many legacy flame retardants are now banned | Supplier declaration + testing |
| Biocides (antimicrobial, antifungal) | Chemicals added to prevent odor or mold | Must be approved and registered | Supplier declaration + registration verification |
| SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) | A growing list of harmful chemicals maintained by the EU | If present above 0.1%, must be disclosed to customers | Chemical inventory + supplier declarations |
What You Need to Do
Step 1: Get Supplier Declarations
Ask your dyers, finishers, trim suppliers, and all other processors for signed confirmation that they use compliant chemicals. They should provide:
- Declarations that azo dyes are safe
- Confirmation of formaldehyde levels
- Test reports for any metal components
- Proof that no banned plasticizers are used
Step 2: Get Lab Tests (for High-Risk Products)
For certain products, you'll need third-party lab testing:
- Baby clothes: Test for formaldehyde and heavy metals
- Dark-colored apparel: Test for azo dyes
- Products with recycled rubber: Test for PAHs
- Plastic or PVC components: Test for banned plasticizers
Step 3: Maintain a Chemical Inventory
Keep a list of all chemicals used in your supply chain. Check it against the EU's SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) list, which is updated regularly. If any SVHC is present above 0.1%, you must disclose it.
Step 4: Keep Records
Hold onto all test reports, supplier certifications, and chemical inventories for at least 5 years. You may need them for customs inspections or customer audits.
Which Products Are Highest Risk?
High Priority:
- Dark-colored dyed clothing (azo dyes concern)
- Baby clothes and intimate wear (formaldehyde and heavy metals)
- Products with recycled rubber soles (PAHs)
- Children's products with plastic components (phthalates)
Medium Priority:
- Metal zips, buttons, and trims (nickel)
- Upholstered textiles (flame retardants)
- Treated fabrics with antimicrobial finishes (biocides)
Lower Priority:
- Natural, undyed fabrics (cotton, linen)
- Silk and wool products
How Our Platform Helps
We screen your supply chain documentation for chemical compliance. We check your supplier declarations against REACH requirements and flag anything that needs additional testing. You don't need to be a chemist—we handle the technical verification.
For the latest on banned and restricted chemicals, check the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
What Should You Do Next?
Build your REACH evidence pack with a free assessment.