EU textile new regulations, modified fiber blended product analysis method

On September 15, 2009, the EU’s “Official Gazette” published two directives, one was the 2009/121/EC Directive to revise the name of the European Union textiles, and the other was the directive to revise the quantitative analysis method for two-component fiber blended products. 122/EC. Both amendments deal with melamine.

European Commission Directive 2009/121/EC amends two annexes of the Textile Name Directive 2008/121/EC. Directive 2008/121/EC supervises the labeling method for textile fibers of products to ensure that consumer rights are protected. Textiles must meet the Textile Names Directive of Directive 2008/121/EC before they can be introduced into the market.

Textiles covered by Directive 2008/121/EC refer to any raw material and semi-finished, finished, semi-fabricated or finished product consisting of textile fibers only, regardless of which blending or sewing procedures are used. At least 80% by weight of furniture, umbrellas, and parasols are textile components and are subject to directives. In addition, the textile composition of multi-layer floor mats, mattresses, and camping supplies is at least 80% of the weight of the entire product and is also regulated by the directive.

According to Directive 2008/121/EC, when textiles are placed on the market for production or commercial use, they must be accompanied by a label or mark, with a few exceptions. Textiles sold to consumers must be clearly listed in a readable and uniform font, and the name and information of textile fiber components must be listed in catalogues, packaging, labels and labels.

The "Official Gazette" also published the new Directive 2009/122/EC on September 15, 2009, and revised the quantitative analysis method of the bicomponent fiber blended products in the 96/73/EC Directive. This new directive is closely related to the above-mentioned Textile Name Directive because the latter requires the label to show the fiber content of the textile and the analyst checks that the product is consistent with the data shown on the label.

Directive 96/73/EC has set forth a uniform quantitative analysis method for two-component fiber blended products. Since melamine has now been added to the fiber list of the Textiles Directive 2008/121/EC, it is necessary to define a uniform test method for melamine. Therefore, the new directive 2009/122/EC revised the directive 96/73/EC on quantitative analysis of two-component fiber blended products.

The content of Directive 2009/122/EC is contained on the following website:

eur-ex.europa.EU/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?

Uri=OJ:L:2009:242:0014:0020:EN:PDF

Member states must implement two new directives before September 15, 2010.