MZ Global Trading
Columbus Tower, Main Clifton Road
Karachi 75600, Pakistan
info@mzglobaltrading.com · +92 300 8256203
mzglobaltrading.com
Reference Document
Restricted Substances List (RSL)
Prohibited and restricted chemicals — REACH, CPSIA and OEKO-TEX aligned
This RSL summarises the substance groups restricted in textile products supplied by MZ Global Trading. It aligns with EU REACH Annex XVII, US CPSIA (for children's products), UK REACH and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 limit values. It is a working reference, not a substitute for the full legal texts — limit values cited are indicative of the strictest commonly applied retail standard.
Restricted Substance Groups
| Substance group | Where it appears | Indicative limit | Primary regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azo dyes (releasing 24 restricted arylamines) | Dyed fabrics & trims | ≤ 20–30 mg/kg per amine | REACH Annex XVII (43); OEKO-TEX |
| Formaldehyde | Easy-care/wrinkle-free finishes | Baby ≤ 16 · skin contact ≤ 75 · other ≤ 150 mg/kg | OEKO-TEX; national laws (JP Law 112) |
| Lead (total) | Paints, prints, metal trims | ≤ 90 mg/kg (children's: ≤ 100 substrate) | CPSIA; REACH |
| Cadmium | Pigments, PVC prints, metal parts | ≤ 40 mg/kg (REACH ≤ 0.01% in plastics) | REACH Annex XVII (23) |
| Nickel release | Buttons, rivets, zips with skin contact | ≤ 0.5 µg/cm²/week | REACH Annex XVII (27) |
| Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP etc.) | Plastisol prints, coated fabrics | ≤ 0.1% sum (children's articles) | CPSIA; REACH Annex XVII (51/52) |
| Chlorinated phenols (PCP, TeCP) | Preservation of textiles | ≤ 0.5 mg/kg (PCP) | REACH; OEKO-TEX |
| Organotin compounds (TBT, DBT) | Antimicrobial finishes, prints | ≤ 1 mg/kg TBT | REACH Annex XVII (20) |
| PFOS / PFOA / PFAS (long-chain) | Water/stain repellent finishes | PFOA ≤ 25 µg/kg; market phase-outs apply | REACH; US state laws |
| APEO / NPEO (alkylphenol ethoxylates) | Detergents, wetting agents in processing | ≤ 100 mg/kg (NPEO sum) | REACH Annex XVII (46a) |
| Chromium VI | Leather trims, some pigments | ≤ 3 mg/kg (leather) | REACH Annex XVII (47) |
| Dimethyl fumarate (DMFu) | Anti-mould sachets | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg | REACH Annex XVII (61) |
| Flame retardants (TRIS, PBB, pentaBDE etc.) | FR-treated textiles | Prohibited / ≤ trace | REACH; CPSC |
Children's Products — Additional Requirements
- CPSIA (USA): total lead, phthalates, tracking labels, CPC certificate based on third-party testing at a CPSC-accepted lab.
- EN 71-3 (EU): migration limits on 19 elements for products classifiable as toys (e.g. comfort items).
- Drawstrings: prohibited at hood/neck for sizes up to children's 14 (US ASTM F1816; EN 14682 in EU).
- OEKO-TEX Class 1 certification recommended for all baby and infant items.
Compliance Mechanism
- 1Factory and dye-house declare RSL conformity at order placement (flow-down clause in our purchase contract).
- 2OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification provides tested evidence across most groups above.
- 3Buyer-specific RSLs (brand lists are often stricter) are accepted and contractually flowed down.
- 4Third-party lab testing (SGS, Intertek, BV) arranged on request per shipment or per program.
Regulations change. Verify current limit values against the latest REACH Annex XVII consolidations and CPSC rules before relying on this summary for a compliance decision.
Disclaimer: This document is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal, customs or compliance advice. Figures reflect common trade practice and are indicative — always verify against your buyer specification, applicable regulations and your destination market.