WRITTEN QUESTION P-0129/98 by Eva Kjer Hansen (ELDR) to the Commission (23 January 1998)

Subject: Chemicals in textiles

Tests of textiles have revealed that they often contain large quantities of chemicals such as formaldehyde, azo-dyes, dioxin and pesticides as well as heavy metals such as copper, chrome, cobalt, zinc and nickel which are suspected of causing cancer, allergies and eczema and damaging embryos. Since there are no common EU rules on labelling or prohibitions on the subject and only very few Member States have any, consumers are at a disadvantage.

What will the Commission do to guarantee the necessary consumer and health protection in the textile sector and come up to the high consumer protection standards set in its work programme for 1998?

Will it take the initiative in setting limit values for or prohibiting chemicals and heavy metals in textiles?

Will it take the initiative in devising common EU rules laying down that the content of fabrics must be clearly indicated by means of an informative label that will allow consumers to make a choice?

Answer given by Mr Bangemann on behalf of the Commission (27 February 1998)

Chemicals are used in all steps in the production of textiles. Some of the chemicals found in the finished products are residues from the production, others are added in order to give the products certain characteristics e.g. colorants or flame-retardants.

Directive 96/74/EC on textile names ((OJ L 32, 3.2.1997. )) sets mandatory rules on the labelling of textile fibres, giving consumers precise information on the textile as such, making it possible for the alert consumer to discard fibres (whether biological or man made fibres) which might cause allergic reactions for the individual consumer or likely to be produced by methods not acceptable for the individual buyer.

Existing Community legislation provides for the control of the use of certain chemicals in order to protect man and the environment. There are two basic pieces of legislation in this field. Directive 67/548/EEC covers classification (the identification of hazards) labelling (communication of the hazard) and packaging of dangerous substances ((OJ 196, 16.8.1967. )). Directive 88/379/EEC establishes a broad classification, labelling and packaging scheme controlling dangerous preparations ((OJ L 187, 27.7.1988. )).

Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances ((OJ L 84, 5.4.1993. )) establishes a general framework for the systematic evaluation of the risks of chemicals and for the identification of the needs to reduce the risks. The Commission and Member States have given priority to risk assessment of a number of chemicals which might pose a risk to man and the environment. Nickel and zinc are included among these substances.

More specifically, Directive 94/27/EC, amending Directive 76/769/EEC on restrictions of the marketing and use of dangerous substances and preparations ((OJ L 188, 22.7.1994. )) for the 12th time, regulates the use of nickel in objects coming into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. Examples of products covered by the Directive are earrings, necklaces, bracelets, buttons and zips. The entry into force of Directive 94/27/EC is pending adoption of standardised testing methods.

Furthermore Directive 79/663/EEC ((OJ L 197, 3.8.1979. )) and Directive 83/264/EEC ((OJ L 147, 6.6.1983. )) respectively the 1st and 4th amendments of Directive 76/769/EEC provide that Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate, Tris-aziridinyl-phosphinoxide and the polybrominated biphenyls may not be used in textile articles such as garments, undergarments and linen intended to come into contact with the skin.

Directive 91/173/EEC ((OJ L 85, 5.4.1991. )), 9th amendment to Directive 76/769/EEC, bans the use of pentachlorophenol in textiles with the exception of impregnation of heavy-duty textiles not intended in any case for clothing or for decorative furnishing.

However, in general, products for the preservation of textiles will be ruled by the biocidal products Directive, adopted recently by Parliament and Council and expected to enter into force in March 1998 and to be implemented at the latest 24 months later.

Concern has been expressed at a risk for cancer from textiles coloured by certain azo-dyes and some Member States have introduced national provisions. The Commission is considering harmonized restrictions on certain azo-dyes in textiles and leather goods and has launched a study programme to assess the risks and the costs and benefits of such measures.

There are no obligations to indicate which chemicals have been used in the manufacturing and processing of textiles foreseen in the Community programme. As far as the composition of textile products is concerned Parliament and Council Directive 96/74/EC on designation of textiles names is in force. The subject of this Directive is the composition of the fibres of these products. It has been modified by Commission Directive 97/37/EC ((OJ L 169, 27.6.1997. )), adapting Annex I and II to technical progress.

Community law does not prevent trade and industry from giving consumers more information than legislation requires and thus to use information on chemical components for a better marketing of their products.