Contact: press@oeko-tex.com

Press information / Zurich / 09.01.2024

OEKO-TEX® new regulations 2024
Creating trust within the textile and leather industry and for its customers is the mission of OEKO-TEX®.
Since trust is based on consistently high quality, the OEKO-TEX® Association is again publishing updates tothe applicable test criteria, limit values and guidelines for its certifications.
Based on new scientific findings and legal developments, the OEKO-TEX® Association has published theannual updates to its test criteria, limit values and guidelines. With one exception, the new regulations will
come into force on April 1, 2024, after the regular transition period. For the ban on intentional use of PFAS,
a new limit value for total fluorine (TF) is effective as of January 1, 2024, replacing the previous parameterfor extractable organic fluorine (EOF). Other criteria for microplastics, GMOs and SVHC alignment havebeen added.
PFAS - New limit value for the total fluorine content
With the widespread use of PFAS and potential impact on human health and the environment, rapid
adjustments are required. OEKO-TEX® has replaced the extractable organic fluorine (EOF) method withtotal fluorine. The new limit value of 100 mg/kg affects OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, ECO PASSPORT,LEATHER STANDARD and ORGANIC COTTON as of January 1, 2024. This update enables all OEKO-TEX®
certifications to remain compliant with the U.S. regulations on PFAS.

OEKO-TEX® Association | Genferstrasse 23 | CH-8002 Zurich
Phone + 41 44 501 26 00 | info@oeko-tex.com | www.oeko-tex.com

OEKO-TEX® STeP: Avoiding release of microplastics
The updated OEKO-TEX® STeP standard will require certified production facilities to mitigate and preventthe release of microplastics from manufacturing processes through active risk identification andmanagement. Microplastics (synthetic fibres less than five millimetres in length) pollution threatens aquatic
ecosystems, marine organisms and human health. Microplastics can be released from textiles and clothing
during both laundering and production. By addressing the complex challenges posed by microplastics atevery stage of the production process, the STeP standard aims to foster a harmonious collaboration
between industrial practices and environmental preservation and support and create a call to action forSTeP certified facilities.
OEKO-TEX® STeP: Further cooperation with ZDHCOEKO-TEX® and ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Program) continue to increase theircollaboration. In 2024, OEKO-TEX® STeP certified companies will receive new discounts for the ZDHC
Supplier to Zero Program:-ZDHC Foundation Level (Level 1) - Fee waived for STeP certified facilities.

-ZDHC Progressive Level (Level 2) - 50% discount for STeP certified facilities.

Certified STeP companies wishing to participate should contact their OEKO-TEX® testing institute.
OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD: Traceability of leather materials
In line with the new European Union (EU) regulation on deforestation-free supply chains, the OEKO-TEX®
LEATHER STANDARD will increase emphasis on the traceability of leather materials and require proof oforigin for materials. Worldwide, an area larger than the EU has been deforested over the last threedecades. The EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) (Regulation (EU) 2023/1115), adopted in summer
2023, includes strict due diligence obligations for companies placing certain raw materials and products on- or exporting from - the European market.

OEKO-TEX® Association | Genferstrasse 23 | CH-8002 Zurich
Phone + 41 44 501 26 00 | info@oeko-tex.com | www.oeko-tex.com

OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON: Adjustment of the limit values for genetically modified cotton
The OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON certification is aimed at reliable labelling of organic cotton textiles.
After qualitative DNA analysis determines if a sample contains genetically modified cotton, quantificationshows the proportion of genetically modified cotton. In addition to testing for harmful substances, OEKOTEX® ORGANIC COTTON will require less than five percent genetically modified material, a decrease fromthe previous limit of ten percent. The new limit value still accounts for unavoidable impurities.
Updates in the limit value catalogues
New substances of very high concern (SVHC) were added to the limit value catalogues for the STANDARD
100, LEATHER STANDARD, ORGANIC COTTON and ECO PASSPORT certifications. For example, Bis(4chlorophenyl) sulphone and the solvent 1,4-dioxane can have serious effects on human health and theenvironment.
The new regulations 2024 for OEKO-TEX® standards are available in detail at www.oeko-tex.com/news.
In addition, OEKO-TEX® will explain the changes in a public webinar on 16 January 2024. Register at oekotex.com.
About OEKO-TEX®
For more than 30 years, OEKO-TEX® has offered standardized solutions that companies in the textile andleather industry can use to transparently and sustainably optimize their manufacturing processes. Based on
scientific principles, OEKO-TEX® contributes to bringing high-quality, safe and sustainable products to themarket. 21,000 manufacturers, brands and trading companies, in more than 100 countries are currently
working with OEKO-TEX®. At the same time, millions of consumers around the world use the OEKO-TEX®
labels as a guide for their responsible purchasing decisions. Products and suppliers certified by OEKO-TEX®
can be found in the online OEKO-TEX® buying guide at https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/buying-guide.
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OEKO-TEX® Association | Genferstrasse 23 | CH-8002 Zurich
Phone + 41 44 501 26 00 | info@oeko-tex.com | www.oeko-tex.com