New European Standard for Aromatic Amines Derived from Azo Colorants Released

The two updated standards used for the restriction on azo colorants are:

• EN ISO 14362-1:2017 [1]: Textiles – Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants - Part 1: Detection of the use of certain azo colorants accessible with and without extracting the fibres (ISO 14362-1:2017) [2]
• EN ISO 14362-3:2017 [3]: Textiles – Methods for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants - Part 3: Detection of the use of certain azo colorants, which may release 4-aminoazobenzene (ISO 14362-3:2017 [4]) 

The two updated standards are related to entry 43 of Annex XVII in REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 which prohibits the use of azo colorants in textile and leather articles that may come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin or oral cavity. The legislated 22 aromatic amines obtained by reductive cleavage of one or more azo colorants may not be used in items in concentrations greater than 30 mg/kg as determined by gas chromatography. The methods will become harmonized in the EU market for REACH Annex XVII once officially endorsed in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

EN ISO 14362-1:2017 describes a method to detect the presence of certain amines that may not be used in the manufacture or treatment of certain commodities made of textile fibers and that are accessible from azo colorants by reducing agent with and without extraction. The method is relevant for all colored textiles, e.g. dyed, printed and coated textiles.

Azo colorants accessible to reducing agent without extraction are those used to color with pigments or to dye cellulose fibers (e.g. cotton, viscose), protein fibers (e.g. wool, silk) and synthetic fibers (e.g. polyamide, acrylic). Azo colorants accessible with extraction are those used to dye man-made fibers with disperse dyes (e.g. polyester, polyamide, acetate, triacetate, acrylic and chlorofibre).

Highlights of update in EN ISO 14362-1:2017 include:

• Xylene is used for extracting the disperse dye from fibers
• Both direct reduction and colorant extraction may be required separately for synthetic fiber
• False-positive case evaluation is listed in Appendix C

For any particular concerns regarding the new European standard for determining the restricted aromatic amines derived from azo colorants in textiles for REACH Annex XVII compliance, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

SGS Global Softlines has an extensive network of over 40 laboratories worldwide, with a strong team of committed professionals from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. Our internationally accredited state-of-the-art testing laboratories offer a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. We help your company ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. Discover more at www.sgs.com/softlines.

For enquiries, please contact:

Louann Spirito
Director Technical Support, Softlines
t: +1 973 461 7919

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