The main rules that apply to clothing and textiles in the EU
According to EU textile regulations, textile products are raw, semi-processed, processed, semi-manufactured, manufactured, semi-finished or makeup products consisting solely of textile fibers, regardless of the mixing or assembly process used.
In addition, the following products are considered as textile products.
– Products containing at least 80% by weight textile fibers;
– Products that contain fabric components and form an integral part of the product.
When talking about clothing and textiles imported into the territory of the European Union, you should consider the following main rules:
– Reach;
– Laboratory testing;
– EU children’s clothing regulations;
– EU textiles labeling rules.
REACH regulation
REACH is a European Union regulation adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the hazards that chemicals can pose.
Subject of regulation:
– Manufacturers of products containing chemicals;
– Importers of products containing chemicals
– Companies or users who use chemicals in industrial or professional activities.
Companies outside the EU do not need to follow REACH and even export their products to the EU. The responsibility lies with the importer.
Restricted chemicals and heavy metals:
A full list of restricted substances can be found on the REACH ECHA website and lab testing companies can save time by helping to find chemicals, heavy metals and contaminants.
Lab testing
REACH laboratry testing is not essential for closures and textile products, but non-compliance can result in penalties. That’s why laboratory tests are recommended to prevent unexpected problems.
EU children’s clothing regulations
When entering the EU market, children’s clothing must meet the relevant requirements to prevent children from being fatally injured.
Two standards are required for children’s clothing entering the EU:
– EN 14878: 2007 Burning behavior of children’s pajamas
– EN 14682: 2014 children’s clothing safety
EU textile labeling rules
In accordance with EU textile and clothing regulations, mandatory marking or marking on products is required as soon as they are brough to market.
The label should have the following information:
– Full fiber composition
– Non-textile parts of animal origin (such as fur or leather)
– Mechanized processing codes
Textile products must have a durable, legible, visible and accessible label on the product or packaging, and the information must be in the official language of the country where the product is sold.
EU’s toy safety regulations
Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC is the main document that sets the rules of market access for products. However, toys must also comply with other EU laws that apply to them.
The following safety requirements are covered by the Directive.
– General hazard: the health and safety of children or other people such as parents or guardians
– Specific hazards: Physical, mechanical, flammable, chemical, electrical, hygienic and radioactive hazards.
Two possible conformity assessment procedures apply to toys sold in the EU:”
– Self-validaton using European harmonization standards
– Third party verification through a certification authority
All toys sold in the EU must be CE marked.