Oeko-Tex update test criteria for 2024
The Oeko-Tex Association has recently updated its test criteria, limit values and guidelines based on new scientific findings and legal developments.
Effective from April 1, 2024, with the exception of one regulation, the new standards will come into force after the regular transition period. However, for the ban on intentional use of PFAS, a new limit value for total fluorine (TF) is effective from January 1, 2024, replacing the previous parameter for extractable organic fluorine (EOF). Additionally, other criteria for foam, microplastics, GMOs and SVHC alignment have been added.
The new limit value of 100 mg/kg for total fluorine content replaces the extractable organic fluorine (EOF) method, which has been replaced in the Oeko-Tex standard 100, Eco passport, Leather Standard and Organic Cotton from January 1, 2024. This update enables all Oeko-Tex certifications to remain compliant with the U.S. regulations on PFAS.
Certified production facilities must mitigate and prevent the release of microplastics from manufacturing processes through active risk identification and management, as required by the updated Oeko-Tex STeP standard. Microplastics pollution threatens aquatic ecosystems, marine organisms and human health. Hence, the STeP standard aims to foster a harmonious collaboration between industrial practices and environmental preservation and create a call to action for STeP certified facilities.
Oeko-Tex and ZDHC continue to increase their cooperation. In 2024, Oeko-Tex STeP certified companies will receive new discounts for the ZDHC Supplier to Zero Program. Certified STeP companies wishing to participate should contact their Oeko-Tex testing institute.
The Oeko-Tex Leather Standard will increase emphasis on the traceability of leather materials and require proof of origin for materials in line with the new European Union (EU) regulation on deforestation-free supply chains. The Oeko-Tex Organic Cotton certification will require less than five percent genetically modified material, a decrease from the previous limit of ten percent.
Finally, new substances of very high concern (SVHC) were added to the limit value catalogues for the Standard 100 (Annex 4 and 6), Leather Standard, Organic Cotton and Eco Passport certifications. For example, Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulphone and the solvent 1,4-dioxane can have serious effects on human health and the environment.
In addition, Oeko-Tex will explain the changes in a public webinar on January 16.
For further details, you can visit the website here.
