Your Guide to ZDHC Compliance

First Published: February 2025

The ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Roadmap to Zero Programme plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency and safety within the textile and footwear supply chain. By facilitating the reduction of hazardous materials, ZDHC not only benefits businesses but also contributes significantly to environmental preservation and public health.

This article provides a quick guide on how organisations can achieve ZDHC compliance.

What is ZDHC?

ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) is a global non-profit organisation formed by over one hundred brands, retailers, and chemical manufacturers, whose mission is to eliminate hazardous chemical substances from the textile, leather and footwear supply chain.

By establishing frameworks and best practices for sustainable chemical management, ZDHC aims to create a toxic-free supply chain by minimising the environmental and health impacts associated with chemical use in the textile, apparel, leather, and footwear industries.

What are the functions offered by ZDHC?

ZDHC provides a wide range of services designed to assist companies in implementing sustainable chemical management systems. Key services include:

• ZDHC MRSL Conformance: ZDHC MRSL (Manufacturers Restricted Substances List) is a single and harmonised list of chemical substances that are prohibited or restricted for intentional use in facilities processing textiles, leather, apparel, and footwear.
  
  ZDHC MRSL Conformance refers to the level of compliance with this list, indicating that a facility or chemical product adheres to the standards set forth by ZDHC regarding the elimination of harmful substances. The conformance levels are categorised as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, ranging from basic compliance with specific chemical usage monitoring to full verification through stringent testing and management systems.
  
  
  
• ZDHC Gateway: The ZDHC Gateway is a digital platform designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in the chemical management process. It allows users to upload, search for, and manage product information, including certification status and related documents.
  
  ZDHC MRSL conforming chemicals will be published in the ZDHC Gateway, which assists brands, suppliers, and chemical producers in making better sourcing decisions.
  
  
  
• ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines: The ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines provide a framework for managing and treating wastewater emissions in the textile and leather industries. These guidelines outline best practices and standards for wastewater testing, treatment, and discharge, ensuring that harmful substances do not enter water systems and impact environmental health.
  
  
  
• ZDHC Verified InCheck: A Verified Incheck can enhance confidence in the Performance InCheck Reports generated by a supplier. The ZDHC Performance InCheck Reports is a reporting tool that allows factories and suppliers to assess their chemical inventory against the ZDHC MRSL and verify their conformance levels. This chemical inventory report provides an overview of the facility’s compliance status and identifies areas for improvement in chemical management practices.

How to achieve ZDHC Compliance?

Being ZDHC compliant can bring benefits such as enhanced brand reputation, improved environmental impact, and demonstrated commitment to sustainable chemical management systems.

To comply with ZDHC requirements, organisations must undertake several key steps, including:

• Developing a chemical management policy: Establishing policies that reflect the commitment to sustainable chemical practices and proper management of chemical inventories. This involves maintaining accurate records of chemicals used, creating and managing Chemical Inventory Lists (CIL), and adhering to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements.
  
  
  
• Conducting laboratory tests: Organisations must conduct laboratory tests to assess the presence of hazardous chemicals in their products. This step is essential to ensure compliance with ZDHC’s requirements, particularly regarding the elimination of harmful substances.
  
  
  
• Continuous monitoring and improvement: Organisations should engage in continuous monitoring of their chemical management practices, utilising feedback from audits and assessments to drive improvements. This may involve revising policies, enhancing training programs, and implementing better chemical handling practices.

How does the Eurofins Softlines & Hardlines network help achieve ZDHC compliance?

We offer a wide suite of ZDHC compliance services to support brands and suppliers throughout the fashion industry value chain, from input, to process and output. Enjoying a one-stop-shop experience in ZDHC compliance.

Here are the services provided by our ZDHC-approved laboratories:

• ZDHC MRSL Level 1 to Level 3 Conformance
• ZDHC Wastewater Testing
• ZDHC Verified InCheck – Level 1

For more details about our ZDHC services, please visit our ZDHC services page or contact us directly.