Considering the ill-effects on the human body, the European Union (EU) has taken measures to restrict the use of 33 chemicals used in clothing, footwear and other such textile items. The EU has given two years to phase out or tighten the use of these hazardous chemicals, while all companies are expected to adhere to the new ban by December 2020. The chemicals fall under the carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) category. They are either used to confer certain properties to textiles or remain in fabrics as a residue from the production process.
Certain CMR substances are present in clothing and related accessories, other textiles and footwear, either as impurities from the production process or because they have been added intentionally to give them specific properties, stated the Official Journal of the European Union.
“The restrictions have been prepared on the basis of scientific and technical recommendations by the European Chemicals Agency and following broad consultations with stakeholders. They will become applicable 24 months after publication of the regulation in the official journal of the EU.”
