The OEKO-TEX® standards are regularly updated to stay ahead of global regulations, incorporate new scientific health data and the latest production methods. Every January, OEKO-TEX® publishes annual updates to the standards as well as the test criteria and limit values - in line with consistent consumer protection and sustainable textiles and leather.
Following a 3-month transition period, annual updates go into effect April 1.
PFAS UPDATE - Effective January 1, 2024
New Method and Limit Value
- Method: Total fluorine (instead of the previously used limit value for extractable organic fluorine)
- Limit: 100 mg/kg
- Applies to: STANDARD 100, ECO PASSPORT, LEATHER STANDARD and ORGANIC COTTON
- Why: The widespread use of PFAS in the textile and leather industry makes it important to act fast, especially considering the threat those chemicals pose to human health and the environment. Moreover, this allows OEKO-TEX® certificates to stay compliant with the US regulations on PFAS, which require TOF.
Annual Updates 2024
Highlights:
- Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) added to limit value catalogue for STANDARD 100, LEATHER STANDARD, ORGANIC COTTON and ECO PASSPORT certifications
(Diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulphone, 1,4-dioxane) - GMO limit in ORGANIC COTTON reduced to 5%
- Microplastics
- STANDARD 100: ban on synthetic polymer microplastics in decorative articles to align with EU law
- STeP: requirement to take robust measures to avoid the release of microplastics into the environment
- Decreased limit values for all product classes in LEATHER STANDARD (Phenol 100 mg/kg, SCCP & MCCP sum limit value 50 mg/kg)
- ECO PASSPORT Self Assessment is part of the application, instead of a separate step
Overviews of the most important changes are summarized for each product below and in the webinar.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON
OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD
OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN
OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT
OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
No major 2024 updates