Restriction on 33 CMR category 1A and 1B substances in clothing, skin-contact textiles and footwear (REACH Annex XVII entry 72)

This REACH restriction limits 33 substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction in clothing and accessories such as sportswear and bags, in footwear, and in other textiles that touch the skin, such as bed linen, blankets, upholstery and reusable nappies. The listed substances include cadmium, lead, chromium VI, arsenic, benzene, several phthalates and specific dyes, each with its own concentration limit. It binds companies directly and has applied since 1 November 2020.

The transitional formaldehyde limit for jackets, coats and upholstery ended on 1 November 2023, so the standard limit now applies to them.