# Commission Decision of 5 June 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for textile products            (notified under document C(2014) 3677) (Text with EEA relevance) (2014/350/EU)         

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U.K.

# Commission Decision

# of 5 June 2014

# establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for textile products

# *(notified under document C(2014) 3677)*

# (Text with EEA relevance)

# (2014/350/EU)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the EU Ecolabel(1), and in particular Article 8(2) thereof,                        

After consulting the European Union Eco-labelling Board,

Whereas:

(1)Under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, the EU Ecolabel may be awarded to products which have a reduced environmental impact during                              their entire life cycle.

(2)Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 provides that specific EU Ecolabel criteria are to be established according to product groups.

(3)Commission Decision 2009/567/EC(2) has established the ecological criteria and the related assessment and verification requirements for textile products, which                              are valid until 30 June 2014.

(4)In order to better reflect the state of the art of the market for this product group and take into account the innovation                              that has taken place during the intervening period, it is considered appropriate to modify the scope of the product group                              and establish a revised set of ecological criteria.

(5)The criteria aim, in particular, at identifying products that have a lower environmental impact along their life cycle, with                              specific improvements so that they are: sourced from more sustainable forms of agriculture and forestry, manufactured using                              resources and energy more efficiently, manufactured using cleaner, less polluting processes, manufactured using less hazardous                              substances, designed and specified to be of high quality and durable. Criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to textiles are                              set for the aforementioned aspects and those products with improved performance on these aspects should be promoted. It is                              therefore appropriate to establish EU Ecolabel criteria for the product group ‘textiles’.

(6)The revised criteria, as well as the related assessment and verification requirements should be valid for four years from                              the date of adoption of this Decision, taking into account the innovation cycle for this product group.

(7)Decision 2009/567/EC should therefore be replaced by this Decision.

(8)A transitional period shall be allowed for producers whose products have been awarded the EU Ecolabel for textile products                              on the basis of the criteria set out in Decision 2009/567/EC, so that they have sufficient time to adapt their products to                              comply with the revised criteria and requirements.

(9)The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Article 16 of                              Regulation (EC) No 66/2010,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

# Article 1U.K.

1.The product group ‘textile products’ shall comprise:                  

(a)Textile clothing and accessories: clothing and accessories consisting of at least 80 % by weight of textile fibres in a woven,                        non-woven or knitted form.                  

(b)Interior textiles: textile products for interior use consisting of at least 80 % by weight of textile fibres in a woven, non-woven                        or knitted form.                  

(c)Fibres, yarn, fabric and knitted panels: intended for use in textile clothing and accessories and interior textiles, including                        upholstery fabric and mattress ticking prior to the application of backings and treatments associated with the final product.                  

(d)Non-fibre elements: zips, buttons and other accessories that are incorporated into the product. Membranes, coatings and laminates.                  

(e)Cleaning products: woven or non-woven fabric products intended for the wet or dry cleaning of surfaces and the drying of kitchenware.                  

2.The following products are not included in the product group ‘textile products’:                  

(a)products that are intended to be disposed of after a single use;                  

(b)floor coverings, covered by Commission Decision 2009/967/EC(3);                  

(c)fabrics that form part of structures intended for outdoor use.                  

3.Garments, fabrics and fibres that containing the following are excluded from the product group.                  

(a)electrical devices or which form an integral part of electrical circuitry;                  

(b)devices or impregnated substances designed to sense or react to changes in ambient conditions.                  

# Article 2U.K.

For the purpose of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:

‘textile fibres’ means natural fibres, synthetic fibres and man-made cellulose fibres;

‘Natural fibres’ means cotton and other natural cellulosic seed fibres, flax and other bast fibres, wool and other keratin                              fibres;                           

‘Synthetic fibres’ means acrylic, elastane, polyamide, polyester and polypropylene;

‘Man-made cellulose fibres’ means lyocell, modal and viscose.

# Article 3U.K.

For ‘textile clothing and accessories’ and for ‘interior textiles’ fillings, linings, padding, membranes and coatings made                     of fibres included in the scope of this Decision need not be taken into account in the calculation of the percentage of textile                     fibres.                  

# Article 4U.K.

Filling materials that are not made from textile fibres shall comply with restrictions listed in criterion 10 set out in the                     Annex that relate to auxiliaries, surfactants, biocides and formaldehyde.                  

# Article 5U.K.

The criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, for a product falling within the product group                     ‘textile products’ defined in Article 1 of this Decision as well as the related assessment and verification requirements are                     set out in the Annex.                  

# Article 6U.K.

The criteria and the related assessment requirements set out in the Annex, shall be valid for four years from the date of                     adoption of this Decision.                  

# Article 7U.K.

For administrative purposes, the code number assigned to the product group ‘textile products’ shall be ‘016’.

# Article 8U.K.

Decision 2009/567/EC is repealed.

# Article 9U.K.

1.Applications for the EU Ecolabel for products falling within the product group ‘textile products’ submitted within two months                        from the date of adoption of this Decision may be based either on the criteria set out in Decision 2009/567/EC, or on the                        criteria set out in this Decision. Applications shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria on which they are based.                  

2.EU Ecolabel licences awarded in accordance with the criteria set out in Decision 2009/567/EC may be used for 12 months from                        the date of adoption of this Decision.                  

# Article 10U.K.

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 5 June 2014.

*For the Commission*                            

Janez Potočnik                            

*Member of the Commission*                            

## ANNEXU.K.

The criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to textile products, and the sub-categories under which they are grouped, are as                     follows:                  

### Textile fibresU.K.

Cotton and other natural cellulosic seed fibres

Flax and other bast fibres

Wool and other keratin fibres

Acrylic

Elastane

Polyamide

Polyester

Polypropylene

Man-made cellulose fibres (lyocell, modal and viscose)

### Components and accessoriesU.K.

Fillings

Coatings, laminates and membranes

Accessories

### Chemicals and processesU.K.

Restricted Substance List (RSL)

Substitution of hazardous substances in dyeing, printing and finishing

Washing, drying and curing energy efficiency

Treatment of emissions to air and water

### Fitness for useU.K.

Dimensional changes during washing and drying

Colour fastness to washing

Colour fastness to perspiration (acid, alkaline)

Colour fastness to wet rubbing

Colour fastness to dry rubbing

Colour fastness to light

Wash resistance of cleaning products

Fabric resistance to pilling and abrasion

Durability of function

### Corporate Social ResponsibilityU.K.

Fundamental principles and rights at work

Restriction on the sandblasting of denim

### Supporting informationU.K.

#### 28.Information appearing on the EcolabelU.K.

Appendix 1 additionally contains the RSL referred to in criterion 13. This lists restrictions applying to hazardous substances                     that may be used to manufacture textile products and which may be contained in the final product.                  

The Ecolabel criteria reflect the best environmental performing products on the market of textiles. Whilst the use of chemical                     products and release of pollutants is part of the production process, a product that bears the EU Ecolabel guarantees the                     consumer that the use of such substances has been limited to the extent technically possible without prejudice to the fitness                     for use.                  

The criteria exclude whenever possible or restrict at minimum the concentration (required for providing specific functions                     and properties) of a number of substances identified as hazardous or potentially hazardous to the human health and the environment                     that may be used to manufacture textiles. Only where a substance is required to meet consumer performance expectations or                     mandated requirements for the product (for instance flame retardancy), and where there are no applied and tested available                     alternatives, derogation for such a substance to be used in the Ecolabel is granted.                  

Derogations are evaluated on the basis of the precautionary principle and scientific and technical evidence, especially if                     safer products are available on the market.                  

Product testing for restricted hazardous substances is requested in order to provide a high level of assurance to consumers.                     Strict conditions are also imposed on the manufacturing processes for textiles to control pollution of water and air, and                     to minimise exposure of the workforce. The verification of compliance with the criteria is formulated in a way that provides                     a high level of assurance to consumers, reflects the practical potential for applicants to obtain information from the supply                     chain and excludes the potential for ‘free riding’ by applicants.                  

*Assessment and verification*

In order to show compliance with the criteria the applicant is required to declare the following information about the product(s)                        and their supply chain:                     

### *Table 1*

**Overview of assessment and verification requirements**

Each criteria contains detailed verification requirements which require the applicant to compile declarations, documentation,                     analyses, test reports and other evidence relating to the product(s) and their supply chain.                  

The validity of the license is based on verification upon application and, where specified under criterion 13, product testing                     which shall be submitted to competent bodies for verification. Changes in suppliers and production sites pertaining to licensed                     products shall be notified to competent bodies, together with supporting information to verify ongoing compliance with the                     license conditions.                  

Competent bodies shall preferentially recognise tests by laboratories which are accredited according to ISO 17025 and verifications                     performed by bodies which are accredited under the EN 45011 standard or an equivalent international standard.                  

The functional unit, to which inputs and outputs should be related, is 1 kg of textile product at normal conditions (65 %                     RH ± 4 % and 20 oC ± 2 °C; these norm conditions are specified in ISO 139 Textiles — standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing).                  

Where the applicant uses a certification system to provide independent verifications the chosen system and associated systems                     for accreditation of verifiers shall meet the general requirements of EN 45011 and ISO 17065. Where appropriate, competent                     bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry out independent verifications and site visits.                  

The competent bodies are recommended to take into account the implementation of recognised environmental management schemes,                     such as EMAS, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001, when assessing applications and monitoring compliance with the criteria (note: it is                     not required to implement such management schemes).                  

### **EU ECOLABEL CRITERIA**U.K.

Applicants shall demonstrate the compliance with the criteria as relevant to the material composition, chemical formulations,                     production sites and fitness for use of products they wish to carry the Ecolabel.                  

#### 1.TEXTILE FIBRE CRITERIAU.K.

Fibre-specific criteria are set out in this section for the following fibre types:

Natural fibres: Cotton and other natural cellulosic seed fibres, flax and other bast fibres, wool and other keratin fibres;

Synthetic fibres: Acrylic, elastane, polyamide, polyester and polypropylene;

Man-made cellulose fibres: lyocell, modal and viscose.

The criteria for a given fibre-type need not be met if a fibre contributes to less than 5 % of the total weight of the product                     or if they constitute a padding or lining. With the exception of polyamide and polyester these criteria do not have to be                     met:                  

By the whole product if it contains fibres that contain recycled content constituting at least 70 % by weight of all fibres                              in the product;                           

By individual fibres forming part of the ecolabelled product which contain at least 70 % by weight of recycled content.

In this context, fibres that contain a recycled content are defined as fibres originating from pre-consumer waste (including                     polymer and fibre production waste, cuttings from textile and clothing manufacturers) and post-consumer waste (textile and                     all kind of fibre and textile products, as well as non-textile waste including PET drinking bottles and fishing nets).                  

Recycled content shall, with the exception of PET bottles used to manufacture polyester, meet the requirements of the criterion                     13 RSL. This shall include annual, randomised analytical testing for specified substance groups.                  

*Assessment and verification for recycled content*

:

recycled content shall be traceable back to the reprocessing of the feedstock. This shall be verified by independent third                        party certification of the chain of custody or by documentation provided by feedstock suppliers and reprocessors. Where required                        by criterion 13 declarations and laboratory testing results shall be provided by fibre manufacturers and feedstock suppliers.                     

##### **Criterion 1. Cotton and other natural cellulosic seed fibres (including kapok)**U.K.

Cotton and other natural cellulosic seed fibres (hereinafter referred to as cotton) shall contain a minimum content of either                     organic cotton (see criterion 1a) or integrated pest management (IPM) cotton (see criterion 1b). In addition to this:                  
          -  All conventional cotton and IPM cotton used shall comply with the pesticide restrictions in criterion 1c, 
          -  For the production standard 1(a) Organic, all conventional cotton and IPM cotton used shall come from non-genetically modified                           varieties,                         
          -  All organic and IPM cotton shall be fully traceable in accordance with criterion 1d, 
          -  Clothing for babies of less than 3 years old shall contain a minimum of 95 % organic cotton. 

Products meeting specific content thresholds for organic or IPM cotton shall be permitted to display additional text alongside                     the Ecolabel communicating the content claim. Guidance is provided in criterion 28.                  

###### 1(a)Organic production standardU.K.

With the exception of the products listed below a minimum of 10 % of the cotton shall be grown according to the requirements                     laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007(4), the US National Organic Programme (NOP) or equivalent legal obligations set by trade partners of the EU. The organic cotton                     content may include organically grown cotton and transitional organic cotton.                  

The cotton content of the following products shall contain a minimum of 95 % organic cotton: T-shirts, woman's tops, casual                     shirts, jeans, pyjamas and nightwear, underwear and socks.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

Organic content should be certified by an independent control body to have been produced in conformity with the production                        and inspection requirements laid down in Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 the US National Organic Programme (NOP) or those set                        by other trade partners.. Verification shall be provided on an annual basis for each country of origin.                     

Non-genetically modified varieties of cotton shall be verified in conformity with Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 of the European                     Parliament and of the Council(5).                  

###### 1(b)Cotton production according to IPM principlesU.K.

A minimum of 20 % of the cotton shall be grown according to IPM principles as defined by the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation                     (FAO) IPM programme, or Integrated Crop Management (ICM) systems incorporating IPM principles, and shall comply with the pesticide                     restrictions in criterion 1(c).                  

For the following products the minimum percentage of the cotton that shall be grown according to IPM principles as defined                     above shall be 60 %: T-shirts, woman's tops, casual shirts, jeans, pyjamas and nightwear, underwear and socks.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

The applicant shall provide evidence that the cotton has been grown by farmers that have participated in formal training programmes                        of the UN FAO or Government IPM and ICM programmes and/or that have been audited as part of third party certified IPM schemes.                        Verification shall either be provided on an annual basis for each country of origin or on the basis of certifications for                        all IPM cotton bales purchased to manufacture the product.                     

Compliance with the pesticide restriction shall not be required for schemes that prohibit use of the substances listed in                     criterion 1(c) and where either testing is carried out or declarations of non-use are obtained from farmers and/or farmer                     producer groups that are verified by site visits carried out by control bodies accredited by either national governments or                     recognised organic or IPM certification schemes.                  

Non-genetically modified IPM cotton used in combination with organic cotton shall be verified in conformity with Regulation                     (EC) No 1830/2003. IPM schemes that exclude genetically modified cotton shall be accepted as proof of compliance for IPM content.                  

###### 1(c)Pesticide restrictions applying to conventional and IPM cottonU.K.

All cotton used in ecolabelled textile products, with the exception of organic cotton and cotton from IPM schemes exempted                     in 1(b), shall be grown without the use of any of the following substances:                  

Alachlor, aldicarb, aldrin, campheclor (toxaphene), captafol, chlordane, 2,4,5-T, chlordimeform, chlorobenzilate, cypermethrin,                     DDT, dieldrin, dinoseb and its salts, endosulfan, endrin, glyphosulfate, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexane                     (total isomers), methamidophos, methyl-o-dematon, methylparathion, monocrotophos, neonicotinoids (clothianidine, imidacloprid,                     thiametoxam), parathion, phosphamidon, pentachlorophenol, thiofanex, triafanex, triazophos                  

Cotton shall not contain more than 0,5 ppm in total of the substances listed above.

*Assessment and verification*

:

Cotton shall be tested for the listed substances. A test report shall be provided based on the following test methods, as                        appropriate:                     
            -  US EPA 8081 B (organo-chlorine pesticides, with ultrasonic or Soxhlet extraction and apolar solvents (iso-octane or hexane)), 
            -  US EPA 8151 A (chlorinated herbicides, using methanol), 
            -  US EPA 8141 B (organophosphorus compounds), 
            -  US EPA 8270 D (semi-volatile organic compounds). 

Tests shall be made on samples of raw cotton from each country of origin and before it passes through any wet treatment. For                     each country of origin testing shall be carried out on the following basis:                  

Where only one lot of cotton is used per year a sample shall be taken from a randomly selected bale;

If two or more lots of cotton are used per year composite samples shall be taken from 5 % of the bales.

Cotton is not required to be tested where it has been certified by an IPM scheme that prohibits the use of the listed substances.

###### 1(d)Traceability requirements applying to organic and IPM cottonU.K.

All cotton grown according to the organic and IPM production standards and used to manufacture an Ecolabelled textile product                     shall be traceable from the point of verification of the production standard up until, as a minimum, greige fabric production.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the minimum cotton content requirement either for the annual volume of cotton                        purchased or for the blend of cotton used to manufacture the final product(s) and according to each product line:                     

On an annualised basis: Transaction records and/or invoices shall be provided that document the quantity of cotton purchased                                 on an annual basis from farmers or producer groups, and/or the total weight of certified bales, up until greige fabric production.                              

On a final product basis: Documentation shall be provided from the spinning and/or fabric production stages. All documentation                                 shall reference the Control Body or certifier of the different forms of cotton.                              

##### **Criterion 2. Flax and other bast fibres (including hemp, jute and ramie)**U.K.

###### 2(a)Flax and other bast fibres shall be retted under ambient conditions and without thermal energy inputs.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide a declaration of the retting method used from the farmers and/or scutching mills supplying the                        fibre.                     

###### 2(b)Where water retting has been used the wastewater from retting ponds shall be treated so as to reduce the COD or TOC by at                        least 75 % for hemp fibres and by at least 95 % for flax and other bast fibres.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

if water retting is used, the applicant shall provide a test report showing compliance and using the following test method:                        ISO 6060 (COD).                     

##### **Criterion 3. Wool and other keratin fibres (including wool from sheep and lambs, and hair from camel, alpaca and goat)**U.K.

###### 3(a)The sum totals provided in Table 2 shall not be exceeded for wool ectoparasiticide concentrations on raw wool prior to scouring.U.K.

These requirements shall not apply if documentary evidence can be presented that establishes the identity of the farmers producing                     at least 75 % of the wool or keratin fibres in question, together with an independent verification based on site visits that                     the substances listed above have not been applied to the fields or animals concerned.                  

###### *Table 2*

**Sum total restrictions on ectoparasiticide concentrations in wool**

Wool scourers that operate closed loop water systems without the discharge of wastewater effluent and which break down the                     aforementioned ectoparasiticides that may be present in scouring residues and sludge through incineration are derogated from                     the requirement for wool testing but must comply with at least two of the measures in 3(c).                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall either provide the documentation indicated above or compile test reports, using the following test method:                        IWTO draft test method 59. The test should be made on sales lots of raw wool, by country of origin (if mixed) and before any                        wet processing. A minimum of one composite sample of multiple lots from each country of origin shall be tested per processing                        lot. A composite sample should consist of:                     

Wool fibres from at least 10 randomly selected farmer lots within the sales lot; or

One composite sample per farmer supplying the lots where there are less than 10 sales lots within the processing lot.

Alternatively residue test certificates may be submitted for all sales lots in a processing lot.

Where a derogation applies then the applicant shall provide evidence confirming the scouring plant configuration and laboratory                     test reports demonstrating the breakdown of ectoparasiticides that may be present in scouring residues and sludge.                  

###### 3(b)Wool scouring operations shall minimise effluent COD by maximising dirt removal and grease recovery, followed by treatment                        to the value specified in Table 3 either on or off site. The following COD limits shall apply to coarse and fine greasy wool                        scouring. Fine wool is defined as merino wool of ≤ 23,5 micron in diameter.U.K.

###### *Table 3*

**COD values for the final discharge of effluent from wool scouring**

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide relevant data and test reports related to this criterion, using the following test method: ISO                        6060. The data shall demonstrate compliance by the wool scouring site or, if the effluent is treated off-site, by the wastewater                        treatment operator. Compliance with this criterion shall be on the basis of monthly averages for the six months preceding                        the application.                     

###### 3(c)Wool scourers shall implement at least one of the following measures to recover value from either oxidised grease, fibre,                        suint or sludge arising from the scouring site used for the ecolabelled wool products:U.K.

recovery for sale as a chemical feedstock;

the production of compost or liquid fertiliser;

the manufacturing of products such as building materials;

treatment and energy recovery by anaerobic digestion or incineration.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide a report and waste transfer notes confirming the type and proportion of waste recovered and the                        method used.                     

##### **Criterion 4. Acrylic**U.K.

###### 4(a)The emissions to air of acrylonitrile (during polymerisation and up to the solution ready for spinning), expressed as an annual                        average, shall be less than 1,0 g/kg of fibre produced.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide detailed documentation and/or test reports showing compliance with this criterion, together with                        a declaration of compliance from the fibre manufacturer(s).                     

###### 4(b)The workplace emissions to air of N,N-dimethylacetamide (127-19-5) during polymerisation and spinning shall not exceed an                        Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Value (IOELV) of 10,0 ppm.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

emissions values are to be measured at those process stages in which the substances are used, expressed as an 8-hour average                        value (shift mean value). The applicant shall provide test reports and monitoring data from the fibre manufacturer(s) showing                        compliance with this criterion.                     

##### **Criterion 5. Elastane**U.K.

###### 5(a)Organotin compounds shall not be used to manufacture the fibres.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide a declaration of non-use from the fibre manufacturer(s).

###### 5(b)The workplace emissions to air of the following substances during polymerisation and spinning shall not exceed the following                        indicative occupational exposure limit values (IOELV):U.K.

diphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (101-68-8) 0,005 ppm

toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (584-84-9) 0,005 ppm

N,N-dimethylacetamide (127-19-5) 10,0 ppm

*Assessment and verification*

:

emissions values are to be measured at those process stages in which the substances are used, expressed as an 8-hour average                        value (shift mean value). The applicant shall provide test reports and monitoring data from the fibre manufacturer(s) showing                        compliance with this criterion.                     

##### **Criterion 6. Polyamide (or nylon)**U.K.

Polyamide products shall comply with at least one of the production standards listed in sub-criteria 6(a) and 6(b).

Any product that meets the minimum recycled content threshold shall be permitted to display additional text alongside the                     Ecolabel communicating a content claim. Guidance is provided in criterion 28.                  

###### 6(a)Production standard 1: Minimum recycled content.U.K.

Fibres shall be manufactured using a minimum content of 20 % nylon that has been recycled from pre and/or post-consumer waste.

*Assessment and verification*

:

recycled content shall be traceable back to the reprocessing of the feedstock. This shall be verified by independent certification                        of the chain of custody or by documentation provided by suppliers and processors.                     

###### 6(b)Production standard 2: N2O emissions from monomer production.U.K.

The emissions to air of N2O from nylon monomer production, expressed as an annual average, shall not exceed 9,0 g N2O/kg of caprolactam (for nylon 6) or adipic acid (for nylon 6,6).                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide documentation or test reports showing compliance based on monitoring data, together with a declaration                        of compliance from fibre manufacturer(s) and their feedstock providers.                     

##### **Criterion 7. Polyester**U.K.

Textile products that are primarily for sale to consumers shall comply with sub-criteria (a) and (b). Textile products that                     are primarily for sale to commercial or public sector customers shall comply with (a) and *either* (b) or (c).                  

Any product that meets the minimum recycled content threshold shall be permitted to display additional text alongside the                     Ecolabel communicating this content claim. Guidance is provided in criterion 28.                  

###### 7(a)The level of antimony present in the polyester fibres shall not exceed 260 ppm. Polyester fibres manufactured from recycled                        PET bottles are derogated from this requirement.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall either provide a declaration of non-use or a test report using the following test methods: direct determination                        by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry or Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry. The test shall be carried out on                        a composite sample of raw fibres prior to any wet processing. A declaration shall be provided for fibres manufactured from                        recycled PET bottles.                     

###### 7(b)Fibres shall be manufactured using a minimum content of PET that has been recycled from pre-consumer and/or post-consumer                        waste. Staple fibres shall contain a minimum content of 50 % and filament fibres 20 %. Micro-fibres are derogated from this                        requirement and shall instead comply with (c).U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

recycled content shall be traceable back to the reprocessing of the feedstock. This shall be verified by independent certification                        of the chain of custody or by documentation provided by suppliers and processors.                     

###### 7(c)The emissions of VOCs during the production of polyester, expressed as an annual average including both point sources and                        fugitive emissions, shall not exceed 1,2 g/kg for PET chips and 10,3 g/kg for filament fibre.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide monitoring data and/or test reports demonstrating compliance with EN 12619 or standards with an                        equivalent test method. Monthly averages for the total emissions of organic compounds from production sites for ecolabelled                        products shall be provided for a minimum of six months preceding the application.                     

##### **Criterion 8. Polypropylene**U.K.

Lead based pigments shall not be used.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide a declaration of non-use.

##### **Criterion 9. Man-made cellulose fibres (including viscose, modal and lyocell)**U.K.

###### *Pulp production sub-criteria*U.K.

###### 9(a)A minimum 25 % of pulp fibres shall be manufactured from wood that has been grown according to the principles of sustainable                        forestry management as defined by the UN FAO. The remaining proportion of pulp fibres shall be from pulp that is sourced from                        legal forestry and plantations.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall obtain from the fibre manufacturer(s) valid, independently certified chain of custody certificates demonstrating                        that the wood fibres have been grown according to sustainable forestry management principles and/or are from legal sources.                        FSC, PEFC or equivalent schemes shall be accepted as independent certification.                     

The fibre manufacturer shall demonstrate that due diligence processes have been followed as specified in Regulation (EU) No                     995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council(6) in order to ensure that timber has been legally harvested. Valid EU FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade)                     or UN CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) licenses and/or third party                     certification shall be accepted as evidence of legal sourcing.                  

###### 9(b)Pulp produced from cotton linters shall, as a minimum, meet with the requirements of either cotton criterion 1a or 1b.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

as indicated in the corresponding criteria

###### 9(c)Pulp used to manufacture fibres shall be bleached without the use of elemental chlorine. The resulting total amount of chlorine                        and organically bound chlorine in the finished fibres (OX) shall not exceed 150 ppm or in the wastewater from pulp manufacturing                        (AOX) shall not exceed 0,170 kg/ADt pulp.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide a test report showing compliance with either the OX or the AOX requirement, using the appropriate                        test method: OX: ISO 11480 (controlled combustion and microcoulometry).                     

AOX: ISO 9562

###### 9(d)A minimum of 50 % of the pulp used to manufacture fibres shall be purchased from dissolving pulp mills that recover value                        from their spent process liquors either by:U.K.

Generating on-site electricity and steam

Manufacturing chemical co-products.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide a list of pulp suppliers supplying the raw material used to make the fibres and the proportion                        of pulp that they supply. Documentation and evidence shall be provided that the required proportion of suppliers have the                        appropriate energy generating equipment and/or co-product recovery and manufacturing systems installed at related production                        sites.                     

###### *Fibre production sub-criteria*U.K.

###### 9(e)For viscose and modal fibres, the sulphur content of the emissions of sulphur compounds to air from fibre production processes,                        expressed as an annual average, shall not exceed the following performance values in Table 4.U.K.

###### *Table 4*

**Viscose and Modal fibre sulphur emissions values**

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide detailed documentation and/or test reports showing compliance with this criterion, together with                        a declaration of compliance.                     

#### 2.COMPONENT AND ACCESSORIES CRITERIAU.K.

The criteria in this section apply to components and accessories that form part of a final product.

##### **Criterion 10. Fillings**U.K.

###### 10(a)Filling materials consisting of textile fibres shall comply with the textile fibre criteria (1–9) where appropriate.U.K.

###### 10(b)Filling materials shall comply with the textile RSL' requirements for biocides and formaldehyde (see Appendix 1).U.K.

###### 10(c)Detergents and other chemicals used for the washing of fillings (down, feathers, natural or synthetic fibres) shall comply                        with the textile RSL' requirements for auxiliary chemicals and for detergents, softeners and complexing agents (see Appendix                        1).U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

as indicated in the corresponding criteria

##### **Criterion 11. Coatings, laminates and membranes**U.K.

###### 11(a)Components made of polyurethane shall comply with Textile fibre criteria 5(a) relating to organic tin and 5(b) relating to                        workplace exposure to aromatic diisocyanates and DMAc.U.K.

###### 11(b)Components made of polyester shall comply with Textile fibre criteria 7(a) and 7(c) regarding antimony content and the emission                        of VOCs during polymerisation.U.K.

###### 11(c)Polymers shall comply with restriction g(v) of the RSL in Appendix 1 of this Decision.U.K.

*Assessment and verification*

:

as indicated in the corresponding criteria and/or in the Appendix 1 to this Decision.

##### **Criterion 12. Accessories**U.K.

Metal and plastic components such as zips, buttons and fasteners shall comply with the RSL' requirements for accessories (see                     Appendix 1).                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

as indicated in the corresponding criteria.

#### 3.CHEMICALS AND PROCESS CRITERIAU.K.

The criteria in this section apply, where specified, to the following production stages:

Spinning

Fabric formation

Pre-treatment

Dyeing

Printing

Finishing

Cut/make/trim

Unless specified otherwise these criteria, including the requirements for random testing, shall also apply to fibres containing                     recycled content.                  

##### **Criterion 13. Restricted Substance List (RSL)**U.K.

###### 13(a)General requirementsU.K.

The final product and the production recipes used to manufacture the final product shall not contain the hazardous substances                     listed in the Restricted Substance List at or above the specified concentration limits or according to the specified restrictions.                     The RSL can be found in Appendix 1. The restrictions in the RSL take precedence over the derogations listed in Criterion 14,                     Table 6.                  

The RSL shall be communicated to suppliers and agents responsible for the spinning, dyeing, printing and finishing stages                     of production. Verification and testing requirements are specified in the RSL for each production stage and for the final                     product.                  

Laboratory testing, where required, shall be carried out for each product line based on random sampling. Testing shall be                     carried out annually during the license period in order to demonstrate ongoing compliance with the RSL.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with the RSL supported by evidence as applicable to the substances                        and production recipes used to manufacture the final product. The requirements are indicated in the RSL and include declarations                        obtained from those responsible for related production stages, declarations from chemical suppliers and test results from                        laboratory analysis of samples of the final product. Declarations obtained from production stages shall be supported by safety                        data sheets (SDS) for production recipes and, where necessary, declarations from chemical suppliers. SDS shall be completed                        in accordance with the guidance in Section 2.3,9,10, 11 and 12 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European                        Parliament and of the Council(7)(Guide to the compilation of safety data sheets). Incomplete SDS shall require supplementing by declarations from chemical                        suppliers.                     

Laboratory analysis of the final product shall be carried out in a representative way for the licensed product lines, where                     specified in the RSL and according to the test methods listed. Testing, where required, shall be carried out upon application                     and once a year thereafter for each product line based on a random sample, with results then communicated to the relevant                     competent body. Test data obtained for the purposes of compliance with industry RSL's and other schemes shall be accepted                     where the test methods are equivalent and have been carried out on a representative sample of the final product.                  

Failure of a test result during a license period shall result in retesting for the specific product line. If the second test                     fails then the license shall be suspended for the specific product line. Remedial action will then be required in order to                     re-instate the license.                  

###### 13(b)Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC's)U.K.

The final product including any component or accessory shall not, unless specifically derogated, contain substances that:

Meet the criteria in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006;

Have been identified according to the procedure described in Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 which establishes                              the candidate list for substances of very high concern.                           

This applies to substances used to impart function to the final product and to substances that have been intentionally used                     in production formulas.                  

No derogation shall be given concerning substances that meet either of these two conditions, and which are present in a textile                     article, or in any homogeneous part of a complex textile article, in concentrations higher than 0,10 % (weight by weight).                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

Substances and recipes used at each production stage shall be screened against the latest version of the candidate list published                        by ECHA. The applicant shall compile declarations of compliance from each production stage supported by screening documentation.                     

Where a derogation has been granted then the applicant shall show that use of the substance is in compliance with the concentration                     limits and derogation conditions set out in the RSL.                  

##### **Criterion 14. Substitution of hazardous substances used in dyeing, printing and finishing**U.K.

Substances applied to fabrics and knitted panels during dyeing, printing and finishing processes which remain on the final                     product and, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council(8) or Council Directive 67/548/EC(9), meet the criteria for classification with the hazard classes or risk phrases listed in Table 5 shall not be used unless                     they have been specifically derogated. These restrictions shall also apply to functional substances incorporated into man-made                     fibres during their manufacturing.                  

###### 14(a)Hazard classification restrictionsU.K.

The hazard classifications restricted are listed in Table 5. The most recent classification rules adopted by the European                     Union shall take precedence over the listed hazard classifications and risk phrases. Applicants shall therefore ensure that                     any classifications are based on the most recent classification rules.                  

The use of substances or mixtures which change their properties upon processing (e.g., become no longer bioavailable, undergo                     chemical modification) so that the identified hazard no longer applies are exempted from the above requirements. This shall                     include polymers that have been modified to incorporate a function and monomers or additives which become covalently bonded                     with polymers.                  

###### *Table 5*

**Restricted hazard classifications and risk phrases and their CLP categorisation**

###### 14(b)Derogations that apply to textile substance groupsU.K.

In accordance with Article 6(7) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 the substance groups in Table 6 are specifically derogated from                     the requirements set out in Criterion 14(a) and in accordance with the derogation conditions described in Table 6. For each                     substance group all derogation conditions are provided for the specified hazard classifications. These derogations also apply                     to substances added to man-made synthetic and cellulosic fibres during their manufacturing.                  

###### *Table 6*

**Derogated hazard classifications by substance group**

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall obtain declarations of compliance from each dyeing, printing and finishing production site and, where                        necessary, their chemical suppliers. This shall declare that, where used in production recipes, the following substances,                        together with any additional functional substances used that may remain on the final product, do not meet the criteria for                        classification with one or more of the hazard classifications and risk phrases listed in Table 5:                     
            -  biocides 
            -  dyestuffs and pigments 
            -  auxilliary carriers, levelling agents and dispersing agents 
            -  optical brighteners 
            -  print thickeners, binders and plasticizers 
            -  cross-linking agents (from easy care finishes and printing) 
            -  flame retardants and synergists 
            -  water, dirt and stain repellents 
            -  fabric softeners 

Where substances are derogated in Table 6 then the declaration shall specifically identify those derogated substances and                     provide supporting evidence showing how the derogation conditions are to be met.                  

Derogation (v) Auxilliaries shall require verification based on laboratory testing of the final product if the production                     formulas include substances that carry the specified hazard classifications.                  

The following technical information shall be provided to support the declaration of classification or non-classification for                     each substance:                  

For substances that have not been registered under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 or which do not yet have a harmonised CLP                              classification: Information meeting the requirements listed in Annex VII to that Regulation;                           

For substances that have been registered under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and which do not meet the requirements for CLP                              classification: Information based on the REACH registration dossier confirming the non-classified status of the substance;                           

For substances that have a harmonised classification or are self-classified: SDS where available. If these are not available                              or the substance is self-classified then information shall be provided relevant to the substances hazard classification according                              to Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006;                           

In the case of mixtures: safety data sheets where available. If these are not available then calculation of the mixture classification                              shall be provided according to the rules under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 together with information relevant to the mixtures                              hazard classification according to Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.                           

SDS shall be completed in accordance with the guidance in Section 2.3,9,10, 11 and 12 of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006                     (requirements for the compilation of SDS). Incomplete SDS will require supplementing by declarations from chemical suppliers.                  

##### **Criterion 15. Washing, drying and curing energy efficiency**U.K.

The applicant shall demonstrate that the energy used in washing, drying and curing steps associated with dyeing, printing                     and finishing steps for ecolabelled products is measured and benchmarked as part of an energy or carbon dioxide emissions                     management system.                  

Furthermore, they shall demonstrate that production sites have implemented a minimum number of Best Available Techniques (BAT)                     energy efficiency techniques as specified in Table 7 and as listed in Appendix 3 to this decision.                  

###### *Table 7*

**Washing, rinsing and drying energy efficiency techniques**

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall compile reporting from energy management systems for each dyeing, printing and finishing production site.                        ISO 50001 or equivalent systems for energy or carbon dioxide emissions shall be accepted as evidence for the energy management                        system.                     

The evidence required of BAT implementation shall include, as a minimum, site photographs, technical descriptions of each                     technique and evaluations of the energy savings achieved.                  

##### **Criterion 16. Treatment of emissions to air and water**U.K.

###### 16(a)Wastewater discharges from wet processingU.K.

Wastewater discharges to the environment shall not exceed 20 g COD/kg textiles processed. This requirement shall apply to                     weaving, dyeing, printing and finishing processes used to manufacture the product(s). The requirement shall be measured downstream                     of on-site wastewater treatment plant and/or off-site wastewater treatment plant receiving wastewater from these processing                     sites.                  

If the effluent is treated on site and discharged directly to surface waters, it shall also meet the following requirements:

pH between 6,0 and 9,0 (unless the pH of the receiving water is outside this range)

temperature of less than 35 oC (unless the temperature of the receiving water is above this value)                           

If colour removal is required by a derogation condition in criterion 14 then the following spectral absorption coefficients                     shall be met:                  

436 nm (yellow sector) 7 m-1

525 nm (red sector) 5 m-1

620 nm (blue sector) 3 m-1

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide detailed documentation and test reports, using ISO 6060 and ISO 7887 as relevant, and showing                        compliance with this criterion on the basis of monthly averages for the six months preceding the application, together with                        a declaration of compliance. The data shall demonstrate compliance by the production site or, if the effluent is treated off-site,                        by the wastewater treatment operator.                     

###### 16(b)Emissions to air from printing and finishing processesU.K.

Total emissions of organic compounds, as defined in Council Directive 1999/13/EC(10), from textile printing and finishing production sites used to manufacture the ecolabelled product(s) shall not exceed 100,0 mg                     C/Nm3.                  

Where textile coating and drying processes allow for the recovery and reuse of solvents an emissions limit of 150,0 mg C/Nm3 shall apply.                  

Finishing processes include the thermosetting, thermosoling, coating and impregnating of textiles including their respective                     drying (stenter) facilities.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall demonstrate compliance according to EN 12619 or other equivalent standards. Monthly averages for the total                        emissions of organic compounds from production sites shall be provided for the six months preceding the application. Where                        recovery and reuse of solvents is carried out then monitoring data shall be provided to evidence the operation of these systems.                     

#### 4.FITNESS FOR USE CRITERIAU.K.

The criteria in this section apply to intermediate fabric and knitted product and to the final product.

##### **Criterion 17. Dimensional changes during washing and drying**U.K.

The dimensional changes after washing and drying at either domestic or industrial washing temperatures and conditions shall                     not exceed those specified in Table 8.                  

###### *Table 8*

**Tolerances for dimensional changes during washing and drying**

This criterion does not apply to:

fibres or yarn;

products clearly labelled ‘dry clean only’ or equivalent;

furniture fabrics that are not removable and washable.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide test reports using the standards appropriate for the product.

For domestic washing EN ISO 6330 in combination with EN ISO 5077 shall be used as follows: three washes at temperatures as                     indicated on the product, with tumble drying after each washing cycle.                  

For commercial washing in industrial laundries ISO 15797 in combination with EN ISO 5077 shall be used at a minimum of 75 °C                     or as indicated in the standard for the fibre and bleaching combination. Drying shall be as indicated on the product label.                  

Alternatively for removable and washable mattress ticking EN ISO 6330 in combination with EN 25077 shall be used. The default                     conditions shall be washing 3A (60 °C) and drying C (flat drying) unless the product label states otherwise.                  

##### **Criterion 18. Colour fastness to washing**U.K.

The colour fastness to washing shall be at least level 3-4 for colour change and at least level 3-4 for staining.

This criterion does not apply to products labelled ‘dry clean only’ or equivalent (in so far as it is normal practice for                     such products to be so labelled), to white products or products that are neither dyed nor printed, or to non-washable furniture                     fabrics.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

for domestic washing the applicant shall provide test reports using the test method: ISO 105 C06 (single wash, at temperature                        as marked on the product, with perborate powder).                     

For commercial washing in industrial laundries ISO 15797 in combination with ISO 105 C06 shall be used at a minimum of 75 °C                     or as indicated in the standard for the fibre and bleaching combination.                  

##### **Criterion 19. Colour fastness to perspiration (acid, alkaline)**U.K.

The colour fastness to perspiration (acid and alkaline) shall be at least level 3-4 (colour change and staining). A level                     of 3 is nevertheless allowed when fabrics are both dark coloured (standard depth > 1/1) and made of regenerated wool. This                     criterion does not apply to white products, to products that are neither dyed nor printed, to furniture fabrics, curtains                     or similar textiles intended for interior decoration.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide test reports using the following test method: ISO 105 E04 (acid and alkaline, comparison with                        multi-fibre fabric).                     

##### **Criterion 20. Colour fastness to wet rubbing**U.K.

The colour fastness to wet rubbing shall be at least level 2-3. A level of 2 is nevertheless allowed for indigo dyed denim.

This criterion does not apply to white products or products that are neither dyed nor printed.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide test reports using the following test method: ISO 105 X12.

##### **Criterion 21. Colour fastness to dry rubbing**U.K.

The colour fastness to dry rubbing shall be at least level 4. A level of 3-4 is nevertheless allowed for indigo dyed denim.

This criterion does not apply to white products or products that are neither dyed nor printed, or to curtains or similar textiles                     intended for interior decoration.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide test reports using the following test method: ISO 105 X12.

##### **Criterion 22. Colour fastness to light**U.K.

For fabrics intended for furniture, curtains or drapes, the colour fastness to light shall be at least level 5. For all other                     products the colour fastness to light shall be at least level 4.                  

A level of 4 is nevertheless allowed when fabrics intended for furniture, curtains or drapes are both light coloured (standard                     depth < 1/12) and made of more than 20 % wool or other keratin fibres, or more than 20 % linen or other bast fibres.                  

This requirement does not apply to mattress ticking, mattress protection or underwear.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide test reports using the following test method: ISO 105 B02.

##### **Criterion 23. Wash resistance and absorbency of cleaning products**U.K.

Cleaning products shall be wash resistant and absorbent according to the relevant testing parameters identified in Tables 9                     and 10. The testing specified for absorbency shall not apply to twisted yarn products.                  

###### *Table 9*

**Values and parameters for the wash resistance of cleaning products**

###### *Table 10*

**Values and parameters for the absorbency of cleaning products**

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide test reports using the following test methods as relevant: EN ISO 6330 and EN ISO 9073-6. Testing                        according to EN ISO 6330 shall be carried out using washing machine type A for all products and materials.                     

##### **Criterion 24. Fabric resistance to pilling and abrasion**U.K.

Non-woven fabrics and knitted garments, accessories and blankets made of wool, wool blends and polyester (including fleece),                     shall resist pilling to rating of a minimum of 3.                  

Woven cotton fabrics used for garments shall resist pilling to a rating of a minimum of 3. Polyamide tights and leggings shall                     resist to a rating of a minimum of 2.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide reports from tests carried out as appropriate to the substrate:
            -  Knitted and non-woven products: ISO 12945-1 Pill box method 
            -  Woven fabrics: ISO 12945-2 Martindale method 

##### **Criterion 25. durability of function**U.K.

Finishes, treatments and additives that impart water, oil and stain repellency flame retardancy and easy care (also referred                     to as non-crease or permanent press) to the textile product when it is in use shall be durable according to the values and                     parameters set out in sub-criteria 25(a), (b) and (c).                  

For water, oil and stain repellents consumers shall be provided with guidance on how to maintain the functionality of finishes                     applied to the product.                  

Textile fibres, fabrics and membranes that lend the final product intrinsic functional properties are exempt from these requirements.

*Assessment and verification*

:

for products with intrinsic properties applicants shall provide test reports demonstrating comparable or improved performance                        compared with alternatives that may be applied as finishes.                     

###### 25(a)Water, oil and stain repellent functionsU.K.

Water repellents shall retain a functionality of 80 out of 90 after 20 domestic wash and tumble dry cycles at 40 °C, or after                     10 industrial washing and drying cycles at a minimum of 75 °C.                  

Oil repellents shall retain a functionality of 3,5 out of 4,0 after 20 domestic wash and tumble dry cycles at 40 °C, or after                     10 industrial washing and drying cycles at a minimum of 75 °C.                  

Stain repellents shall retain a functionality of 3,0 out of 5,0 after 20 domestic wash and tumble dry cycles at 40 °C, or                     after 10 industrial washing and drying cycles at a minimum of 75 °C.                  

Industrial washing temperatures may be reduced to 60 °C for garments with taped seams.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide reports from tests carried out according to the following standards, as appropriate to the product:

For all products domestic wash cycles ISO 6330 or industrial laundry cycles ISO 15797 in combination with:
          -  water repellents: ISO 4920 
          -  oil repellents: ISO 14419 
          -  stain repellents: ISO 22958 

###### 25(b)Flame retardant functionsU.K.

Washable products shall retain their functionality after 50 industrial wash and tumble dry cycles at a minimum of 75 °C. Non-washable                     products shall retain their functionality after a soak test.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

The applicant shall provide reports from tests carried out according to the following standards, as appropriate to the product:

For domestic wash cycles ISO 6330 or commercial laundry cycles EN ISO 10528 both in combination with EN ISO 12138. Where the                     textile is non-removable BS 5651 or equivalent.                  

###### 25(c)Easy-care (also referred to as non-crease or permanent press)U.K.

Natural fibre products shall achieve an SA-3 fabric smoothness grade and blended natural and synthetic fibre products an SA-4                     fabric smoothness grade after 10 domestic wash and tumble drying cycles at 40 °C.                  

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide reports from tests carried out according to the ISO 7768 test method for assessing the smoothness                        appearance of fabrics after washing.                     

#### 5.CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CRITERIAU.K.

The criteria in this section apply to the cut/make/trim stages of production for textile products.

##### **Criterion 26. Fundamental principles and rights at work**U.K.

Applicants shall ensure that the fundamental principles and rights at work as described in the International Labour Organisation's                     (ILO) Core Labour Standards, the UN Global Compact and the OECD Guidelines for Multi-National Enterprises shall be observed                     by all cut/make/trim production sites used to manufacture the licensed product(s). For the purpose of verification the following                     ILO Core Labour Standards shall be referred to:                  

These standards shall be communicated to cut/make/trim production sites used to manufacture the final product.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall demonstrate third party verification of compliance, using independent verification or documentary evidence,                        including site visits by auditors during the Ecolabel verification process for cut/make/trim production sites in the supply                        chain for their licensed products. This shall take place upon application and subsequently during the license period if new                        production sites are introduced.                     

##### **Criterion 27. Restriction on the sandblasting of denim**U.K.

The use of manual and mechanical sandblasting to achieve distressed denim finishes shall not be permitted.

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide details of all production sites used to produce ecolabelled denim products together with documentary                        and photographic evidence of the alternative processes used to achieve distressed denim finishes.                     

##### **Criterion 28. Information appearing on the Ecolabel**U.K.

The optional label with text box may contain wording selected from the following:
          -  More sustainable fibre production (or a text selected from Table 11 below) 
          -  Less polluting production processes 
          -  Restrictions on hazardous substances 
          -  Tested for durability 

###### *Table 11*

**Text that may appear alongside the Ecolabel depending on product content**

*Assessment and verification*

:

the applicant shall provide a sample of the product packaging showing the label, together with a declaration of compliance                        with this criterion.                     

### Appendix 1**EU ECOLABEL TEXTILE RESTRICTED SUBSTANCE LIST**

The EU Ecolabel RSL consists of restrictions that apply to the following production stages in the textile supply chain:

fibre and yarn spinning

bleaching and pre-treatment

dye houses

printing processes

finishing processes

all production stages

the final product

A number of restrictions under (g) also apply to the final product, for which analytical testing may be required.

#### (a)*Restrictions applying to fibre and yarn spinning and weaving*U.K.

#### (b)*Restrictions applying to bleaching*U.K.

#### (c)*Restrictions applying to dye houses*U.K.

#### (d)*Restrictions applying to printing processes*U.K.

#### (e)*Restrictions applying to finishing processes*U.K.

#### (f)*Restrictions applying to all production stages*U.K.

#### (g)*Restrictions applying to the final product*U.K.

### Appendix 2**DYE RESTRICTIONS**

#### (a)*Carcinogenic aromatic amines*U.K.

#### (b)*Indicative list of dyes that may cleave to carcinogenic aromatic amines*U.K.

#### (c)*Dyes that are CMR or which potentially be sensitising*U.K.

### Appendix 3BEST AVAILABLE TECHNIQUE IN THE FIELD OF WASHING, DRYING AND CURING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

1

OJ L 27, 30.1.2010, p. 1.                           

2

Commission Decision 2009/567/EC of 9 July 2009 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel                              for textile products (OJ L 197, 29.7.2009, p. 70).                           

3

Commission Decision 2009/967/EC of 30 November 2009 on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community                              Ecolabel for textile floor coverings (OJ L 332, 17.12.2009, p. 1).                           

4

Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing                              Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (OJ L 189, 20.7.2007, p. 1).                           

5

Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 concerning the traceability                              and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified                              organisms and amending Directive 2001/18/EC (OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 24).                           

6

Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of                              operators who place timber and timber products on the market Text with EEA relevance (OJ L 295, 12.11.2010, p. 23).                           

7

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration,                              Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive                              1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive                              76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1).                           

8

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling                              and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation                              (EC) No 1907/2006 (OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1).                           

9

Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating                              to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (OJ 196, 16.8.1967, p. 1).                           

10

Council Directive 1999/13/EC of 11 March 1999 on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use                              of organic solvents in certain activities and installations (OJ L 85, 29.3.1999, p. 1).