EU plans to implement NPEO ban in textiles

Recently, the European Commission drafted an amendment to the REACH regulations, which intends to ban textiles with nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (NPEO) content exceeding 0.01% from being sold on the EU market. The draft is expected to be implemented this year, with a transition period of 60 months.
NPEO is currently widely used as detergents, emulsifiers and surfactants in various industries. In some non-EU countries, NPEO is used in the textile industry as a detergent in the washing process and as a dyeing auxiliary in the dyeing process. Studies have shown that NPEO is toxic and carcinogenic to mammals and aquatic organisms. At the same time, NPEO has estrogen-like effects and can harm the body’s normal hormone secretion, which is the so-called “female effect” and distortion. Over time, NPEO breaks down to produce alkylphenols, which are classified as carcinogens by the European Union.
The draft amendment to the REACH regulation stipulates that the NPEO limit in textiles shall not exceed 0.01% (100mg/kg). Textiles are defined as products with a fiber content of more than 80% (weight ratio). This definition is consistent with the EU textile labeling regulations.
The inspection and quarantine department reminds relevant enterprises: they should pay close attention to and track the progress of the NPEO ban, understand the specific content of the ban, and proactively formulate detailed response strategies; during the transition period of regulations, improve the production process, and do a good job in research and development of NPEO alternative products. Improve the level of clean production technology in enterprises; improve the quality management system, strengthen the quality of purchased raw materials and the quality control of the production process, and ensure that the quality of export products meets the laws, regulations and contract requirements of the importing country.