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Restriction of CMR substances in clothing for consumer use

Identifying CMR substances under CLP

Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 lays down criteria for the classification of chemical substances in hazard classes, including the hazard classes carcinogenicity, germ cell mutagenicity and reproductive toxicity, category 1A or 1B. Substances classified in any of those three hazard classes are referred to collectively as 'CMR substances'.

Restricting CMR substances under REACH

Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 lays down restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, mixtures and articles.  Consumers may be exposed to CMR substances through contact with clothing and related accessories (including sportswear and bags), footwear and textiles containing these substances.  In order to protect human health and minimise consumer exposure to CMR substances, the Commission, following stakeholder consultation, has determined that the placing on the market of such articles should be prohibited where the CMR substances are present in concentrations above a certain level. As such, it has prepared a draft amending Regulation to Annex XVII to enact this restriction.  For the same reason, this restriction will also cover the situation where CMR substances are present in those concentrations in other textiles that come into contact with human skin to an extent that is similar to clothing (for example, bed linen, blankets, upholstery or reusable nappies).

Derogations for certain articles

Derogations are allowed for articles made of natural fur, leather or hide, personal protective equipment, second hand clothing and disposable clothing (items intended to be worn only once).

 

Provide feedback on this initiative

The Commission invites anyone to provide feedback on this initiative.  The feedback can be submitted anytime between February 8th and March 8th 2018.  Further information is available at this link.

 

http://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/ares-2018-743293_en

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