# Commission Decision of 23 June 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for bed mattresses            (notified under document C(2014) 4083) (Text with EEA relevance) (2014/391/EU)         

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U.K.

# Commission Decision

# of 23 June 2014

# establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for bed mattresses

# *(notified under document C(2014) 4083)*

# (Text with EEA relevance)

# (2014/391/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 2009/598/EC(2) has established the ecological criteria and the related assessment and verification requirements for bed mattresses, 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                              of the last years, it is considered appropriate to modify the scope of the product group and to establish a revised set of                              ecological criteria.

(5)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. These criteria aim                              at using of materials produced in a more sustainable way (considering a life cycle analysis approach), limiting the use of                              hazardous compounds, the levels of hazardous residues and the contribution of mattresses to indoor air pollution and promoting                              a durable and high-quality product that is easy to repair and disassembly.

(6)Decision 2009/598/EC should therefore be replaced by this Decision.

(7)A transitional period should be allowed for producers whose products have been awarded the EU Ecolabel for bed mattresses                              on the basis of the criteria set out in Decision 2009/598/EC, so that they have sufficient time to adapt their products to                              comply with the revised criteria and requirements.

(8)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 ‘bed mattresses’ shall comprise products consisting of a cloth cover that is filled with materials and that                        can be placed on an existing supporting bed structure or designed for free standing in order to provide a surface to sleep                        or rest upon for indoor use.                  

2.The product group shall not include wooden and upholstered bed bases, inflatable mattresses and water mattresses, as well                        as mattresses classified under Council Directive 93/42/EEC(3).                  

# Article 2U.K.

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

‘Cot mattress’ means a mattress with the length shorter than 1 400 mm;

‘Eliminable substance’ means a substance that shows 80 % degradation of dissolved organic carbon within 28 days using one                              of the following test methods: OECD 303A/B, ISO 11733;                           

‘Inherently biodegradable substance’ means a substance that shows 70 % degradation of dissolved organic carbon within 28 days                              or 60 % of theoretical maximum oxygen depletion or carbon dioxide generation within 28 days using one of the following test                              methods: ISO 14593, OECD 302 A, ISO 9887, OECD 302 B, ISO 9888, OECD 302 C;                           

‘Readily biodegradable substance’ means a substance that shows 70 % degradation of dissolved organic carbon within 28 days                              or 60 % of theoretical maximum oxygen depletion or carbon dioxide generation within 28 days using one of the following test                              methods: OECD 301 A, ISO 7827, OECD 301 B, ISO 9439, OECD 301 C, OECD 301 D, ISO 10708, OECD 301 E, OECD 301 F, ISO 9408;                           

‘Semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC)’ means any organic compound eluting in a gas chromatographic column between n-hexadecane                              (excluded) and n-docosane (included) and with a boiling point approximately higher than 287 °C, where the measurement is carried                              out using a capillary column coated with 5 % phenyl/95 % methyl-polysiloxane;                           

‘Very volatile organic compound (VVOC)’ means any organic compound eluting in a gas chromatographic column before n-hexane                              and with a boiling point approximately lower than 68 °C, where the measurement is carried out using a capillary column coated                              with 5 % phenyl/95 % methyl-polysiloxane;                           

‘Volatile organic compound (VOC)’ means any organic compound eluting in a gas chromatographic column between, and including,                              n-hexane and n-hexadecane with a boiling point in the range of approximately 68 °C to 287 °C, where the measurement is carried                              out using a capillary column coated with 5 % phenyl/95 % methyl-polysiloxane.                           

# Article 3U.K.

In order to be awarded the EU Ecolabel under Regulation (EC) No 66/2010, a product shall fall within the product group ‘bed                     mattresses’ as defined in Article 1 of this Decision and shall comply with the criteria as well as the related assessment                     and verification requirements set out in the Annex.                  

# Article 4U.K.

The criteria for the product group ‘bed mattresses’, as well as the related assessment and verification requirements, shall                     be valid for four years from the date of adoption of this Decision.                  

# Article 5U.K.

For administrative purposes, the code number assigned to the product group ‘bed mattresses’ shall be ‘014’.

# Article 6U.K.

Decision 2009/598/EC is repealed.

# Article 7U.K.

1.By derogation from Article 6, applications for the EU Ecolabel for products falling within the product group ‘bed mattresses’                        submitted before the date of adoption of this Decision shall be evaluated in accordance with the conditions laid down in Decision                        2009/598/EC.                  

2.Applications for the EU Ecolabel for products falling within the product group ‘bed mattresses’ submitted within two months                        from the date of adoption of this Decision may be based either on the criteria set out in Decision 2009/598/EC or on the criteria                        set out in this Decision.                  

Those applications shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria on which they are based.

3.EU Ecolabel licenses awarded in accordance with the criteria set out in Decision 2009/598/EC may be used for 12 months from                        the date of adoption of this Decision.                  

# Article 8U.K.

This Decision is addressed to the Member States.

Done at Brussels, 23 June 2014.

*For the Commission*                            

Janez Potočnik                            

*Member of the Commission*                            

## ANNEXU.K.

### **FRAMEWORK**U.K.

#### **Assessment and verification requirements**U.K.

The specific assessment and verification requirements are indicated within each criterion.

Where the applicant is required to provide declarations, documentation, analyses, test reports, or other evidence to show                     compliance with the criteria, these may originate from the applicant and/or his supplier(s) and/or their suppliers, etc.,                     as appropriate.                  

Competent bodies shall preferentially recognise tests 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.                  

Where appropriate, test methods other than those indicated for each criterion may be used if the competent body assessing                     the application accepts their equivalence.                  

Where appropriate, competent bodies may require supporting documentation and may carry out independent verifications.

As pre-requisite, the product must meet all respective legal requirements of the country (countries) in which the product                     is intended to be placed on the market. The applicant shall declare the product's compliance with this requirement.                  

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

Criteria for awarding the EU Ecolabel to bed mattresses:

Latex foam

Polyurethane (PUR) foam

Wire and springs

Coconut fibres

Textiles (fabrics and fibres used as mattress cover and/or filling materials)

Glues and adhesives

Flame retardants

Biocides

Plasticizers

Excluded or limited substances and mixtures

Emission of specified volatile organic compounds (SVOCs, VOCs, VVOCs) from the mattress

Technical performance

Design for disassembly and recovery of materials

Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel

Additional information to consumers

The Ecolabel criteria reflect the best environmental performing products on the market of bed mattresses.

Whilst the use of chemical products and release of pollutants is part of the production process, the use of hazardous substances                     are excluded whenever possible or limited to the minimum necessary to provide an adequate function and at the same time strict                     quality and safety standards to the mattress. For this purpose, derogation conditions for specific substances/groups of substances                     are granted in exceptional circumstances, in order not to shift the environmental burden to other life cycle phases or impacts                     and only when there are no viable alternatives existing on the market.                  

#### **Criterion 1. Latex foam**U.K.

*Note:* The following requirements need to be met only if latex foam contributes to more than 5 % of the total weight of the mattress.U.K.                  

##### 1.1.*Restricted substances*U.K.

The concentrations in the latex foam of the substances listed below shall not exceed the following values:

###### *Assessment and verification:*U.K.

###### A.For clorophenols the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure. 5 g of sample                        shall be milled and clorophenols shall be extracted in the form of phenol (PCP), sodium salt (SPP) or esters. The extracts                        shall be analysed by means of gas chromatography (GC). Detection shall be made with mass spectrometer or electron capture                        detector (ECD).U.K.

###### B.For heavy metals the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure. Milled sample                        material is eluted in accordance with DIN 38414-S4 or equivalent in a ratio of 1:10. The resultant filtrate shall be passed                        through a 0,45 μm membrane filter (if necessary by pressure filtration). The solution obtained shall be examined for the content                        of heavy metals by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), also known as inductively coupled plasma                        atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), or by atomic absorption spectrometry using a hydride or cold vapour process.U.K.

###### C.For pesticides the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure: 2 g of sample                        is extracted in an ultrasonic bath with a hexane/dichloromethane mixture (85/15). The extract is cleaned up by acetonitrile                        agitation or by adsorption chromatography over florisil. Measurement and quantification are determined by gas chromatography                        with detection on an electron capture detector or by coupled gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The testing on pesticides                        is requested for latex foams with a content of at least 20 % natural latex.U.K.

###### D.For butadiene the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure. Following milling                        and weighing of the latex foam, headspace sampling shall be performed. Butadiene content shall be determined by gas chromatography                        with detection by flame ionisation.U.K.

##### 1.2.*Emission of specified volatile organic compounds (SVOCs, VOCs, VVOCs)*U.K.

The room concentrations of the substances reported below, calculated through the test chamber method, shall not exceed the                     following values after a period of 24 hours.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure. A test chamber analysis shall                     be performed in accordance with the standard ISO 16000-9. The wrapped sample shall be stored at room temperature at least                     for 24 hours. After this period the sample shall be unwrapped and immediately transferred into the test chamber. The sample                     shall be placed on a sample holder, which allows air access from all sides. The climatic factors shall be adjusted according                     to ISO 16000-9. For comparison of test results, the area specific ventilation rate (q = n/l) shall be 1. The ventilation rate                     shall be between 0,5 and 1. The air sampling shall be done 24 ± 1 h after loading of the chamber during 1 hour on DNPH cartridges                     for the analysis of formaldehyde and other aldehydes and on Tenax TA for the analysis of other volatile organic compounds.                     Sampling duration for other compounds may be longer but shall be completed before 30 hours.                  

The analysis of formaldehyde and other aldehydes shall comply with the standard ISO 16000-3. Unless specified differently,                     the analysis of other volatile organic compounds shall comply with the standard ISO 16000-6.                  

Testing following the standard CEN/TS 16516 shall be considered equivalent to those of the ISO 16000 series of standards.

The analysis of nitrosamines shall be done by means of gas chromatography in combination with a thermal energy analysis detector                     (GC-TEA), in accordance with the BGI 505-23 method (formerly: ZH 1/120.23) or equivalent.                  

##### 1.3.*Dyes*U.K.

Should dyes be used, criterion 5.5 shall be respected.

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide either a declaration of non-use of dyes from the manufacturer of the foam or, in case of use,                     a declaration of compliance with this criterion, together with supporting documentation.                  

#### **Criterion 2. Polyurethane (PUR) foam**U.K.

*Note:* The following requirements need to be met only if PUR foam contributes to more than 5 % of the total weight of the mattress.U.K.                  

##### 2.1.*Restricted substances*U.K.

The concentrations in the PUR foam of the substances listed below shall not exceed the following values:

###### *Assessment and verification:*U.K.

###### A.For biocides, phthalates and other specific substances that are restricted the applicant shall provide a declaration supported                        by declarations from manufacturers of the foam confirming that the listed substances have not been added intentionally to                        the foam formulation.U.K.

###### B.For heavy metals the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure. Milled sample                        material is eluted in accordance with DIN 38414-S4 or equivalent in a ratio of 1:10. The resultant filtrate shall be passed                        through a 0,45 μm membrane filter (if necessary by pressure filtration). The solution obtained shall be examined for the content                        of heavy metals by atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES or ICP-OES) or by atomic absorption                        spectrometry using a hydride or cold vapour process.U.K.

###### C.For the total amount of plasticizers the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure.                        The sample shall be a composite of 6 pieces to be taken from beneath each samples face (to a maximum of 2 cm from the surface).                        Extraction shall be performed with dichloromethane using validated method and followed by analysis with gas chromatography–mass                        spectrometry (GC/MS) or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UV).U.K.

###### D.For TDA and MDA the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure. The sample shall                        be a composite of 6 pieces to be taken from beneath each samples face (to a maximum of 2 cm from the surface). Extraction                        shall be performed with 1 % aqueous acetic acid solution. Four repeat extractions of the same foam sample shall be performed                        maintaining the sample weight to volume ratio of 1:5 in each case. The extracts shall be combined, made up to a known volume,                        filtered and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) or HPLC-MS. If HPLC-UV is performed and interference                        is suspected, reanalysis with high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) shall be performed.U.K.

###### E.For tinorganic substances the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure. The                        sample shall be a composite of 6 pieces to be taken from beneath each sample face (to a maximum of 2 cm from the surface).                        Extraction shall be performed for 1 hour in an ultrasonic bath at room temperature. The extracting agent shall be a mixture                        composed as it follows: 1 750 ml methanol + 300 ml acetic acid + 250 ml buffer (pH 4,5). The buffer shall be a solution of                        164 g of sodium acetate in 1 200 ml of water and 165 ml acetic acid, to be diluted with water to a volume of 2 000 ml. After                        extraction the alkyl tin species shall be derivatized by adding sodium tetraethylborate solution in tetrahydrofuran (THF).                        The derivative shall be extracted with n-hexane and the sample shall be submitted to a second extraction procedure. Both hexane                        extracts shall be combined and further used to determine the organotin compounds by gas chromatography with mass selective                        detection in SIM modus.U.K.

##### 2.2.*Emission of specified volatile organic compounds (SVOCs, VOCs, VVOCs)*U.K.

The room concentrations of the substances reported below, calculated through the test chamber method, shall not exceed the                     following values after a period of 72 hours.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the following test procedure. The foam sample is placed on                     the bottom of an emission test chamber and is conditioned for 3 days at 23 °C and 50 % relative humidity, applying an air                     exchange rate n of 0,5 per hour and a chamber loading L of 0,4 m2/m3 (= total exposed surface of sample in relation to chamber dimensions without sealing edges and back) in accordance with ISO 16000-9                     and ISO 16000-11. Sampling shall be done 72 ± 2 h after loading of the chamber during 1 hour on Tenax TA and DNPH cartridges                     for respectively VOC and formaldehyde analysis. The emissions of VOC are being trapped on Tenax TA sorbent tubes and subsequently                     analysed by means of thermo-desorption-GC-MS in accordance to ISO 16000-6. Results are semi-quantitatively expressed as toluene                     equivalents. All specified individual components are reported from a concentration limit ≥ 1 μg/m3. Total VOC value is the sum of all components with a concentration ≥ 1 μg/m3 and eluting within the retention time window from n-hexane (C6) to n-hexadecane (C16), both included. The sum of all detectable                     compounds classified as categories C1A or C1B according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 is the sum of all these substances                     with a concentration ≥ 1 μg/m3. In case the test results exceed the standard limits, substance specific quantification needs to be performed. Formaldehyde                     can be determined by collection of the sampled air onto DNPH cartridge and subsequent analysis by HPLC/UV in accordance to                     ISO 16000-3.                  

Testing following the standard CEN/TS 16516 shall be considered equivalent to those of the ISO 16000 series of standards.

###### *Note:*U.K.

          -  Chamber volume shall be 0,5 or 1 m3.                         
          -  1 sample (25 cm × 20 cm × 15 cm) shall be used in a test chamber of 0,5 m3 standing vertically on one 20 cm × 15 cm side.                         
          -  2 samples (25 cm × 20 cm × 15 cm) shall be used in a 1 m3 test chamber standing vertically on one 20 cm × 15 cm side; in this case both samples shall be placed in the test chamber                           with 15 cm distance in between.                         

##### 2.3.*Dyes*U.K.

Should dyes be used, criterion 5.5 shall be respected.

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide either a declaration of non-use of dyes from the manufacturer of the foam or, in case of use,                     a declaration of compliance with this criterion, together with supporting documentation.                  

##### 2.4.*Total chlorine content of isocyanates*U.K.

Should mixed isomers of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) be used in the production of the PUR foam, the total chlorine content of                     these isocyanates shall not exceed 0,07 % by weight.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide either a declaration of non-use from the manufacturer of the foam or the results of the test                     methods carried-out in accordance with ASTM D4661-93 or equivalent.                  

##### 2.5.*Blowing agents*U.K.

Halogenated organic compounds shall not be used as blowing agents or as auxiliary blowing agents.

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a declaration of non-use from the manufacturer of the foam.                  

#### **Criterion 3. Wire and springs**U.K.

*Note:* The following requirements need to be met only if wire and springs contribute to more than 5 % of the total weight of the                     mattress.U.K.                  

##### 3.1.*Degreasing*U.K.

If degreasing and/or cleaning of wire and/or springs is carried out with organic solvents, use shall be made of a closed cleaning/degreasing                     system.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a corresponding declaration from the manufacturer of wire and/or springs.                  

##### 3.2.*Galvanisation*U.K.

The surface of springs shall not be covered with a galvanic metallic layer.

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a corresponding declaration from the manufacturer of wire and/or springs.                  

#### **Criterion 4. Coconut fibres**U.K.

*Note:* The following requirement needs to be met only if coconut fibre contribute to more than 5 % of the total weight of the mattress.U.K.                  

Criteria for latex foam shall be considered if coconut fibre material is rubberised using latex.

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall either provide a declaration of non-use of rubberised coconut fibres, or the test reports required in                     criterion 1 for latex foam.                  

#### **Criterion 5. Textiles (fabrics and fibres used as mattress cover and/or filling materials)**U.K.

##### *Notes:*U.K.

###### (1)All the requirements (5.1 to 5.11) shall be respected for the mattress cover (i.e. ticking).U.K.

###### (2)Filling materials (i.e. padding) shall respect requirement 5.1. Where wool is used as filling material, requirements 5.1,                        5.2 and 5.8 shall be respected.U.K.

###### (3)All textiles which have been awarded the EU Ecolabel, as established in Commission Decision 2014/350/EU(4), are considered being automatically compliant with requirements 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.10 and 5.11. Nevertheless,                        in order to allow mattresses to be awarded the EU Ecolabel, it shall be demonstrated that also criterion 5.9 is satisfied                        for the mattress cover.U.K.

##### 5.1.*General requirements on hazardous substances (including flame retardants, biocides and plasticizers) (Applicability: all textiles)*U.K.

*All textiles:* criteria 7 (flame retardants), 8 (biocides), 9 (plasticizers) and 10 (hazardous substances) shall be respected by all textiles.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with this criterion, together with the supporting documentation                     required in the respective criterion (7, 8, 9 and 10).                  

##### 5.2.*Auxiliaries used in preparations and formulations (Applicability: covers made of any fibres and filling materials made of                           wool)*U.K.

*All covers*: The following substances shall not be used in any preparations or formulations used for the production of all mattress covers.                     Limit values for the presence of Alkylophenols and APEOs on the cover shall be respected.                  

*Filling materials made of wool*: Alkylophenols and APEOs shall not be used in any preparations or formulations used for the production of filling materials                     made of wool and limit values for their presence in the filling material shall be respected.                  

###### *Assessment and verification:*U.K.

###### A.The applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the final product testing which shall be performed through                        solvent extraction followed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS).U.K.

###### B.The applicant shall provide a declaration of non-use from the supplier supported by safety data sheets for all production                        stages.U.K.

##### 5.3.*Surfactants, fabric softeners and complexing agents in wet processes (Applicability: covers made of any fibres)*U.K.

*All surfactants, softeners and complexing agents:* At least 95 % by weight of surfactants, softeners and complexing agents shall comply with one of the following conditions:                  

they shall be readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions;

they shall be inherently biodegradable or eliminable in wastewater treatment plants.

*Non-ionic and cationic surfactants*: All non-ionic and cationic surfactants shall also be readily biodegradable under anaerobic conditions.                  

The latest revision of the Detergents Ingredients Database should be used as a reference point for biodegradability:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/documents/did_list/didlist_part_a_en.pdf

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide appropriate documentation through safety data sheets and declarations from suppliers.                  

For all surfactants, softeners and complexing agents, this shall be supported by results of appropriate OECD or ISO tests                     for:                  
          -  Readily biodegradability (OECD 301 A, ISO 7827, OECD 301 B, ISO 9439, OECD 301 C, OECD 301 D, ISO 10708, OECD 301 E, OECD                           301 F, ISO 9408)                         
          -  Inherently biodegradability (ISO 14593, OECD 302 A, ISO 9887, OECD 302 B, ISO 9888, OECD 302 C) 
          -  Eliminability (OECD 303A/B, ISO 11733) 

For non-ionic and cationic surfactants, this shall be supported by results of appropriate OECD or ISO tests (ISO 11734, ECETOC                     No 28 (June 1988), OECD 311).                  

##### 5.4.*Bleaching of pulp, yarns, fabrics and end products (Applicability: covers made of any fibres)*U.K.

Chlorine agents shall not be used for the bleaching of any yarns, fabrics or end-products with the exception of man-made cellulose                     fibres.                  

Pulp used to manufacture man-made cellulose fibres (e.g. viscose) 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.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a declaration of non-use of chlorinated bleaching agents from the supplier.                  

For man-made cellulose fibres, 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 

##### 5.5.*Dyes (Applicability: covers made of any fibres)*U.K.

The following restrictions apply to dyes.

The use of dyes in textiles shall be also compliant with criterion 10 on hazardous substances and thus the related derogation                     conditions shall apply. Derogation conditions relate to the handling of dyes in the dye house, the dyeing process and colour                     removal from wastewater from dye houses.                  

###### *Assessment and verification:*U.K.

###### A.The applicant shall provide a declaration of non-use from the supplier supported by safety data sheets.U.K.

###### B.The applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the final product testing. Content of azo dyes in the final                        product shall be tested according to EN 14362-1 and 14362-3. Limit value is 30 mg/kg for each arylamine. (*Note:* false positives may be possible with respect to the presence of 4-aminoazobenzene, and confirmation is therefore recommended).U.K.

##### 5.6.*Extractable metals (Applicability: covers made of any fibres)*U.K.

The following limit values shall apply:

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a report presenting the results of the final product testing as verification for the limit values.                     The tests shall be extraction according to ISO 105-E04 (acid sweat solution) and detection with inductively coupled plasma                     mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES, also referred to as ICP-AES).                  

##### 5.7.*Water, stain and oil repellents (Applicability: covers made of any fibres)*U.K.

Fluorinated water, stain and oil repellent treatment shall not be used. This shall include perfluorinated and polyfluorinated                     carbon treatments.                  

Non-fluorinated treatments shall be readily biodegradable and non-bioaccumulative in the aquatic environment including aquatic                     sediment. They shall additionally comply with criterion 10 on hazardous substances.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a declaration of non-use from the supplier supported by safety data sheets and compliance with                     criterion 10 shall be demonstrated accordingly.                  

##### 5.8.*Wastewater discharges from wet processing (Applicability: covers made of any fibres and filling materials made of wool)*U.K.

Wastewater discharges to the environment shall not exceed 20 g COD/kg textile processing. 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 or off-site wastewater treatment plant receiving wastewater from those 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 and 9 (unless the pH of the receiving water is outside this range)

Temperature of less than 35 °C (unless the temperature of the receiving water is above this value)

If colour removal is required by a derogation condition in criterion 10(a) then the following spectral absorption coefficients                     shall be met:                  

7 m–1 at 436 nm (yellow sector)                           

5 m–1 at 525 nm (red sector)                           

3 m–1 at 620 nm (blue sector).                           

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide detailed documentation and test reports, using ISO 6060 for determination of COD and ISO 7887                     for determination of colour, 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.                  

##### 5.9.*Mechanical resistance (Applicability: covers made of any fibre)*U.K.

Mattress cover shall achieve satisfactory mechanical properties, which are defined by the following testing standards:

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide reports describing the results of the tests performed according to ISO 13937-2 or ISO 9073-4                     for tear strength, ISO 13936-2 (under a load of 60 N) for seam slippage and ISO 13934-1 for tensile strength.                  

##### 5.10.*Durability of flame retardant function (Applicability: covers made of any fibre)*U.K.

Removable and washable covers shall retain their functionality after 50 wash and tumble dry cycles at a minimum of 75 °C.                     Covers that are not intended to be removed and washed 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:                  
          -  ISO 6330 in combination with ISO 12138 for domestic wash cycles and ISO 10528 for industrial laundry cycles in case of removable                           and washable covers.                         
          -  BS 5651 or equivalent in case the cover is not intended to be removed and washed. 

##### 5.11.*Dimensional change (Applicability: removable covers made of any fibres)*U.K.

For mattress covers that are removable and washable, the dimensional changes after washing and drying at either domestic or                     industrial washing temperatures and conditions shall not exceed:                  
          -  Woven fabrics: ± 3 % 
          -  Nonwoven fabrics: ± 5 % 

This criterion does not apply to fabrics that are not promoted as ‘washable’.

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide test reports referring to appropriate standards. ISO 6330 in combination with EN 25077 shall                     be used as test method. Unless the cover states otherwise, the default conditions shall be washing 3A (60 °C), drying C (flat                     drying) and ironing according to the composition of the fabric.                  

#### **Criterion 6. Glues and adhesives**U.K.

Glues containing organic solvents shall not be used. Glues and adhesives used for assembling the product shall be also compliant                     with criterion 10 on hazardous substances.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a declaration of non-use or a declaration from suppliers together with supporting documentation                     and compliance with criterion 10 shall be demonstrated accordingly.                  

#### **Criterion 7. Flame retardants**U.K.

The following flame retardants shall not be added intentionally to the product, any article of it and any homogeneous part                     of it:                  

The use of any flame retardant shall be compliant with criterion 10 on hazardous substances.

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide and shall make suppliers to provide a declaration of non-use confirming that the listed flame                     retardants have not been included in the product, any article of it and any homogeneous part of it. A list of substances added                     to enhance the flame retarding properties shall be also provided, including concentrations and related H statements/R phrases,                     and compliance with criterion 10 shall be demonstrated accordingly.                  

#### **Criterion 8. Biocides**U.K.

##### 8.1.*Production*U.K.

The use of any biocidal active substance in the product shall have to be authorised under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the                     European Parliament and of the Council(5) (list available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biocides/annexi_and_ia.htm) and shall be compliant with criterion 10                     on hazardous substances.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide either declarations of non-use or evidence that the use of biocides is authorised under Regulation                     (EU) No 528/2012. A list of biocidal products added to the product shall be also provided, including concentrations and related                     H statements/R phrases, and compliance with criterion 10 shall be demonstrated accordingly.                  

##### 8.2.*Transportation*U.K.

Chlorophenols (their salts and esters), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), organo-tin compounds (including TBT, TPhT, DBT and                     DOT) and diemthyl fumarate (DMFu) shall not be used during the transportation or storage of the product, any article of it                     and any homogeneous part of it.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide and shall make suppliers to provide a declaration of non-use, as appropriate, confirming that                     the listed substances have not been used during the transportation or storage of the product, any article and any homogeneous                     part of it. A list of biocidal products added to the product shall be also provided, including concentrations and related                     H statements/R phrases, and compliance with criterion 10 shall be demonstrated accordingly.                  

#### **Criterion 9. Plasticizers**U.K.

The following plasticizers shall not be added intentionally to the product, any article of it and to any homogeneous part                     of it:                  

The sum of the prohibited plasticizers shall be lower than 0,10 % by weight. The use of any plasticizer shall be compliant                     with criterion 10 on hazardous substances.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide and shall make suppliers to provide a declaration of non-use confirming that the listed substances                     have not been used in the product, any article of it and any homogeneous part of it. Safety data sheets for the formulation                     of polymers may be requested to confirm that the listed substances have not been included in the product. A list of plasticizers                     added to the product shall be provided, including concentrations and related H statements/R phrases, and compliance with criterion                     10 shall be demonstrated accordingly. Additional verification for the total content of phthalates may be required in accordance                     with ISO 14389 when quality of information is considered insufficient.                  

#### **Criterion 10. Excluded or limited substances and mixtures**U.K.

##### (a)Hazardous substances and mixturesU.K.

The EU Ecolabel may not be awarded if the product or any article of it, as defined in Article 3(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006                     of the European Parliament and of the Council(6), or any homogenous part of it contains a substance or mixture meeting the criteria for classification with the hazard statements                     or risk phrases specified in the table below, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 or Council Directive 67/548/EEC(7), or contains a substance or mixture referred to in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, unless specific derogation                     has been granted.                  

The most recent classification rules adopted by the 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 hazard statements and the risk phrases in the table below generally refer to substances. However, if information on substances                     cannot be obtained, the classification rules for mixtures apply.                  

The use of substances or mixtures which change their properties upon processing (e.g. become no longer bioavailable or undergo                     chemical modification) so that the identified hazards no longer apply are exempted from the above requirements. This shall                     include for instance modified polymers and monomers or additives which become covalently bonded within plastic coatings.                  

In accordance with Article 6(7) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 the following substances are specifically derogated from the                     requirements set out in criterion 10(a) and in accordance with the derogation conditions set out below. For each substance                     all derogation conditions shall be met for the specified hazard classifications.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide the bill of materials of the product, including a list with all articles and homogeneous part                     of it.                  

The applicant shall screen the presence of substances and mixtures that may be classified with the hazard statements or risk                     phrases reported above in the criterion. The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance with requirement 10(a) for                     the product, any article of it or any homogenous part of it.                  

Applicants shall select the appropriate forms of verification. The main forms of verification are foreseen as follows:
          -  Articles manufactured according to a specific chemical formulation (e.g. latex and PUR foams): Safety Data Sheets shall be                           provided for the final article or for the substances and mixtures composing the final article above a cut-off limit of 0,10                           % w/w.                         
          -  Homogenous parts and any associated treatments or impurities (e.g. plastic and metal parts): Safety Data Sheets shall be provided                           for the materials composing that part of the product and for substances and mixtures used in the formulation and treatment                           of the materials remaining in the final part above a cut-off limit of 0,10 % w/w.                         
          -  Chemical recipes used to impart a specific function to the product or to textile components of the product (e.g. glues and                           adhesives, flame retardants, biocides, plasticizers, dyes): Safety Data Sheets shall be provided for substances and mixtures                           used in the assembly of the final product or substances and mixtures applied to textile components during production, dyeing,                           printing and finishing processes and remaining in the textile components.                         

The declaration shall include related documentation, such as declarations of compliance signed by the suppliers, on the non-classification                     of the substances, mixtures or materials with any of the hazard classes associated to the hazard statements or risk phrases                     referred in the list above in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, as far as this can be determined, as a minimum,                     from the information meeting the requirements listed in Annex VII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.                  

The information provided shall relate to the forms or physical states of the substances or mixtures as used in the final product.

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

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: Safety Data Sheets 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.                           

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) shall be completed in accordance with the guidance in Section 10, 11 and 12 of Annex II to Regulation                     (EC) No 1907/2006 (Requirements for the Compilation of Safety Data Sheets). Incomplete SDS shall require supplementing with                     information from declarations by chemical suppliers.                  

Information on intrinsic properties of substances may be generated by means other than tests, for instance through the use                     of alternative methods such as in vitro methods, by quantitative structure activity models or by the use of grouping or read-across                     in accordance with Annex XI to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. The sharing of relevant data across the supply chain is strongly                     encouraged.                  

Where substances used are derogated, then the declaration shall specifically identify those derogated substances and provide                     supporting evidence showing how the derogation conditions are met.                  

##### (b)Substances listed in accordance with Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006U.K.

No derogation from the exclusion in Article 6(6) of Regulation (EC) No 66/2010 shall be given concerning substances identified                     as substances of very high concern and included in the list provided for in Article 59(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006,                     present in mixtures, in an article or in any homogeneous part of the product in concentrations > 0,10 % by weight.                  

*Assessment and verification*: reference to the latest list of substances of very high concern shall be made on the date of application. The applicant                     shall provide a declaration of compliance with requirement 10(b), together with related documentation, including declarations                     of compliance signed by the material suppliers and copies of relevant Safety Data Sheets for substances or mixtures in accordance                     with Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. Concentration limits shall be specified in the safety data sheets in accordance                     with Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 for substances and mixtures.                  

#### **Criterion 11. Emission of specified volatile organic compounds (SVOCs, VOCs, VVOCs) from the mattress**U.K.

The contribution of mattresses to the VOC content of the indoor air shall not exceed the final values reported below, for                     a period of 7 days or, alternatively, 28 days.                  

Values are calculated with the emission test chamber method and with reference to the European Reference Room, by analogy                     with the procedure specified in the ‘Health-related Evaluation Procedure for Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions from Building                     Products’ developed by the AgBB (2012 version available at http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/377/dokumente/agbb_evaluation_scheme_2012.pdf)                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall perform a test chamber analysis in accordance with the standard EN ISO 16000-9. The analysis of formaldehyde                     and other aldehydes shall comply with the standard ISO 16000-3; the analysis of VOCs and SVOCs shall comply with the standard                     ISO 16000-6. Testing following the standard CEN/TS 16516 shall be considered equivalent to those of the ISO 16000 series of                     standards.                  

Test results shall be calculated for an area specific ventilation rate ‘q’ = 0,5 m3/m2h, corresponding to a loading factor ‘L’ of 1 m2/m3 and an air change rate ‘n’ of 0,5 per hour. In all these cases, the total surface of all surfaces (upside, downside and edges)                     of the mattress determine the area used for calculation of the loading factor. The test shall be performed on an entire mattress.                     Should this not be possible for any reason, any of the following alternative procedures of testing may be applied:                  

Performing the test on a representative sample of the mattress (i.e. one half, one quarter or one eighth); cut edges shall                              be closed airtight by appropriate means. In order to provide a conservative estimation of the concentration values expected                              from the entire mattress, concentrations registered with the sample shall be scaled-up by volume (i.e. emissions shall be                              multiplied by a factor 2, 4 or 8);                           

Performing the test for each separate element forming part of the mattress. In order to provide a conservative estimation                              of the concentration values expected from the entire mattress, contributions registered with single components shall be combined                              using this formula CM = Σ ωi·Ci; where:                           
                -  ‘CM’ (μg·m–3) is the overall contribution from the entire mattress;                                  
                -  ‘Ci’ (μg·m–3·kgi–1) is the contribution per unit of mass given by each element ‘i’ forming part of the mattress;                                  
                -  ‘ωi’ (kgi) is the weight of the element ‘i’ in the entire mattress.                                  

The emissions of all elements of the mattress shall be summed up without taking into account any adsorption or barrier effects                              (worst-case approach).                           

#### **Criterion 12. Technical performance**U.K.

##### 12.1.*Quality*U.K.

The mattress shall be designed in a way that a quality product meeting the needs of the consumer is placed on the market.

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a report describing the approach followed and the actions taken in order to ensure the quality                     of the product, the fulfilment of specific functional characteristics and the respect of thermo-hygrometric wellness requirements.                     The following aspects should be taken into consideration: research and development, selection of materials, internal testing                     and verification procedures for demonstrating the fulfilment of functional characteristics and the respect of thermo-hygrometric                     wellness requirements.                  

##### 12.2.*Durability*U.K.

Mattresses shall present the following functional characteristics:
          -  Loss of height < 15 % 
          -  Loss of firmness < 20 % 

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a test report describing the results obtained following the test method EN 1957. The losses                     of height and firmness refer to the difference between the measurements made initially (at 100 cycles) and after the completion                     (30 000 cycles) of the durability test.                  

##### 12.3.*Warranty*U.K.

A list of recommendations on how to use, maintain and dispose the mattress shall be reported in the warranty documentation.                     The warranty for the mattress shall be valid for a period of at least 10 years. This prescription shall not be required for                     cot mattresses.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide documentation attesting the implementation of the warranty scheme.                  

#### **Criterion 13. Design for disassembly and recovery of materials**U.K.

The manufacturer shall demonstrate that the mattress can be dismantled for the following purposes:
          -  undertaking repairs and replacements of worn-out parts, 
          -  upgrading older or obsolete parts, 
          -  separating parts and materials for the potential recycle of them. 

*Assessment and verification*: a report shall be submitted with the application detailing the dismantling of the mattress and the possible disposal of                     each part. For instance, the following actions could facilitate the dismantling of the mattress: preferring sewing to the                     application of glue; using removable covers; using single and recyclable materials for each homogeneous part.                  

#### **Criterion 14. Information appearing on the EU Ecolabel**U.K.

The EU Ecolabel can be applied both on the packaging and on the product. If the optional label with text box is used, it shall                     contain the following text:                  
          -  ‘High-quality long-lasting product’ 
          -  ‘Hazardous substances restricted’ 
          -  ‘Indoor air pollution reduced’ 

The following text shall moreover appear:

‘For more information on why this product has been awarded the EU Ecolabel, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/’

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance and visual evidence.                  

#### **Criterion 15. Additional information to consumers**U.K.

The applicant shall provide consumers in written or audiovisual form with a list of recommendations on how to use, maintain                     and dispose the mattress.                  

*Assessment and verification*: the applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance and visual evidence.                  

1

OJ L 27, 30.1.2010, p. 1.                           

2

Commission Decision 2009/598/EC of 9 July 2009 on establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community Ecolabel                              for bed mattresses (OJ L 203, 5.8.2009, p. 65).                           

3

Council Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices (OJ L 169, 12.7.1993, p. 1).                           

4

Commission Decision 2014/350/EU of 5 June 2014 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the EU Ecolabel for textile                              products (OJ L 174, 13.6.2014, p. 45).                           

5

Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 concerning the making available on                              the market and use of biocidal products (OJ L 167, 27.6.2012, p. 1).                           

6

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).                           

7

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).