The Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) has entered into a row with the former chairman of the Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association (PBEA) over the European Union’s (EU) proposal to ban leather and textile imports containing azo dyes.
From September 11, 2003, the EU will ban all imports containing over 30% of azo dyes per metre, as the use of these chemicals has been linked with cancer.
The PBEA’s former chairman, Shabir Ahmed, has said the EU’s legislation will cripple Pakistan’s leather and textiles industries unless the Pakistani government imposes a total ban on the country’s use, manufacture and importing of azo dyes.
The PTA has been angered by Ahmed’s claim and hit back stating that Pakistan’s leather industry does not even use azo dyes in manufacturing. PTA chairman, Mr S.M Naseem, said that the quality of Pakistani leather is internationally recognised and meets global safety standards.
Ahmed also claimed that the Synthetic Fibre Development and Application Centre set up in Pakistan with the assistance of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for testing such chemicals is excessively expensive and called for charges at the centre to be reduced.
The EU’s ruling states that azo dyes may not be used excessively in products which may come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin or oral cavity. The products defined under the new regulation include leather and textile garments, yarn and fabrics, footwear, gloves, wrist-watches, purses, handbags, straps, briefcases, clothing, bedding, towels, sanitary items, sleeping bags and hair covers.
Until January 1, 2005, the provision will not apply to textile articles made with recycled fabrics if the azo dyes are released by residue deriving from previous dying of the same fibres, and if the listed amines are released in a concentration below 70% per metre. The ruling also states that the European Commission (EC) will review its provisions on azo-colourants no later than September 11, 2005.
