Eurofins Softlines & Leather Monthly Bulletin (June 2024)
One step closer towards the Waste Framework Directive
On 5 July 2023, the European Commission presented a proposal to revise the Waste Framework Directive with the aim of reducing the environmental and climate impact associated with consumer products, specifically within the food and textile sectors, which are the most resource-intensive sectors.
The European Parliament adopted its official position in March 2024 and confirmed its stance on the revision of the directive on 17 June 2024. The President of the European Council will now begin to initiate talks with the European Parliament to finalise the text.
The main points outlined within the revision for the textile sector are:
- Setting specific targets for waste prevention, collection, preparation for re-use and recycling of the waste produced by the textile sector by the end of 2028.
- Harmonised Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for the textile sector.
- Eco-modulation: the amount of fees will be based on circularity and environmental performance.
For more information, refer to the official publication on the European Council website here.
The table below summarises the most recent standard updates and upcoming dates of withdrawal (non-exhaustive):
(*) Date of withdrawal: The latest date by which national standards conflicting with an EN (and HD for CENELEC) have to be withdrawn.
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CEN |
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Reference |
Title |
Date of withdrawal (*) |
Supersedes |
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Textiles and textile products - Determination of biocide additives - Part 1: 2-Phenylphenol and triclosan, method using liquid chromatography |
30 November 2024 |
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Leather - Tests for colour fastness - Colour fastness to crocking (ISO 20433:2024) |
31 October 2024 |
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Chemicals for the leather tanning industry - Determination of the total content of certain bisphenols (ISO 21135:2024) |
30 November 2024 |
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Utah issues notice of exemption for slippers – filling material listing requirements
On 26 June 2024, the State of Utah issued a Notice of Exemption to exempt parts of slippers from listing the filling material under the law labelling Rule R70-101 for quilted clothing.
Effective immediately, slippers that contain filling material in the top portion are exempt from listing the filling material in the bottom portion. Previously, the regulations required that any filling material used in both the top and bottom portions of slippers be explicitly listed on the textile label, but the State has determined that if the filling material in the top portion of the slippers is clearly labelled, it not necessary to list the filling material in the bottom portion on the textile label.
Vermont regulates PFAS in various consumer products
On 30 May 2024, the State of Vermont signed Senate Bill 25 into law to regulate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a variety of consumer products.
The new law will become effective on 1 July 2024 with different implementation phases for each covered product category. Please see Table 1 below for details of the new regulation.
Table 1:
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Product Category |
Requirement |
Effective Date |
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Aftermarket stain and water-resistant treatments for rugs or carpets |
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Cookware |
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Incontinence protection products |
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Juvenile products |
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Ski wax |
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Residential rugs or carpets |
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Artificial turf |
Prohibited if PFAS is intentionally added or if the presence of PFAS is known or reasonably ascertainable during the manufacturing process |
1 January 2026 |
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Prohibited if PFAS is intentionally added for a functional or technical effect or over 100 ppm as measured in total organic fluorine |
1 January 2026 |
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Prohibited if PFAS is intentionally added for a functional or technical effect or over 50 ppm as measured in total organic fluorine |
1 July 2027 |
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Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions |
Prohibited if PFAS is intentionally added for a functional or technical effect or over 50 ppm as measured in total organic fluorine |
1 July 2028 |
Connecticut regulates PFAS in various consumer products
On 5 June 2024, the State of Connecticut signed SB 292 to regulate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a variety of consumer products.
The new law will become effective on 1 October 2024 with different implementation phases for each covered product category. Please see Table 1 below for details of the new regulation.
Table 1:
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Product Category |
Requirement |
Effective Date |
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Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions |
Prohibited if intentionally added PFAS unless labelled with the statement “Made with PFAS chemicals”. |
1 January 2026 |
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Turnout gear (firefighter protective gear) |
Prohibited if intentionally added PFAS unless written notice to the purchaser at the time of sale that the product contains intentionally added PFAS and the reason it is added. |
1 January 2026 |
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Apparel |
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Carpet or rug |
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Cleaning product |
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Cookware |
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Cosmetics |
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Dental floss |
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Fabric treatment |
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Children’s product |
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Menstruation product |
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Textile furnishing |
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Ski wax |
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Upholstered furniture |
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Apparel |
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Turnout gear |
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Carpet or rug |
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Cleaning product |
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Cookware |
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Cosmetics |
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Dental floss |
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Fabric treatment |
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Children’s product |
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Menstruation product |
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Textile furnishings |
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Ski wax |
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Upholstered furniture |
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Outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions |
Below you will find a monthly summary of product recalls and alerts in Europe (Source “Safety Gate (RAPEX)”) and the U.S. (Source “CPSC”).
Safety Gate (RAPEX) (European Commission Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products – Alerts reported by EU national authorities)
The following 30 alerts regarding clothing, textile and fashion items were reported between week 20 and week 23 of 2024.
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Type of Risk |
Number of alerts |
Notes |
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Flip flops |
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Gloves |
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Necklace |
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Waterproof bag |
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Children's boots |
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Bag |
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Children's dress set |
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Children’s shorts |
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Children's shorts |
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Children's trousers |
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Trousers |
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Swim shorts |
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Children's swim shorts |
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Children's hoodie |
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Children's sweatshirt |
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Children's clothing set |
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Children's trousers |