Overview of Textile Restricted Substances Testing
- Tested by
- NABL-accredited partner lab
- Regulation
- REACH, brand RSLs & ZDHC
- Typical turnaround
- 5–7 working days
- Sample needed
- 1 m fabric or 2 garments
Export markets restrict chemicals in textiles and leather that touch the skin. Under the EU’s REACH regulation, azo dyes that release listed carcinogenic amines, nonylphenol ethoxylates, chromium VI in leather and many others are restricted, and global brands go further with their restricted substances lists (RSLs) and the ZDHC Manufacturing RSL for chemicals used in the factory.
Tests cover the finished product: azo amines, free formaldehyde, pH, extractable heavy metals, APEOs, phthalates in prints, chlorophenols, chromium VI and, increasingly, PFAS in water-repellent finishes. Children’s wear and baby textiles have the strictest limits.
What we do for you
- Lab and parameter list chosen for your purpose: licence, export, buyer or internal QC
- Sampling guidance, and pickup or on-site sampling where needed
- One contact who follows up with the lab until the report is issued
- Report explained in plain language, with next steps if a result fails