Restricted Substances List
Keep abreast of requirements regarding hazardous substances
Manufacturing consumer products such as textiles, footwear, electrical goods and toys is a complicated process involving a wide range of chemicals and materials. It is important for manufacturers and retailers to comply with the various legislation and other provisions of governments and industry associations.
As different regions have many different laws and regulations affecting each product, ensuring compliance can be a challenge. In addition, many new prohibitions and changes to existing prohibitions are expected in the future, such as changes in EN 71, RoHS and continuous updates in REACH. Manufacturers and retailers need to quickly establish the applicability of these legislations to their products in order to meet legal requirements.
Many governments, industry associations and buyers create Restricted Substances Lists (RSL) in response to increasing public concern about product safety and environmental protection. These lists restrict the use or existence of certain carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxic, endocrine disruptive and nonbiodegradable chemicals and substances in finished textiles, apparel, footwear products, toys, electrical goods as well as hardline items.
Many restricted chemicals and substances continue to be used in production process. The RSL is a practical tool to help your business become more alert to the type of chemicals and materials used in your products. It enables you to control the use of these substances in your own processes, as well as those of your suppliers and retailers across your supply chain. This is increasingly important, as most major brands now insist that their stakeholders and partners conform to RSL guidelines.
TÜV SÜD assists manufacturers and retailers to understand the varying international regulations on hazardous substance use in different markets. We help you to meet regulatory requirements to comply with legislation such as RoHS and REACH, as well as USA state law requirements such as California Proposition 65. We are well-equipped with laboratory facilities to offer testing solutions that help to comply with legislation. We keep you updated on upcoming changes to RSL guidelines and how your products will be affected by these changes.
Examples of restricted substances and their possible sources
Restricted substances | Possible sources of restricted substances |
Aromatic amines cleaved from azo dyes | Aromatic amines are produced during the degradation or breakdown of certain azo dyes, which are coloring agents widely used in the production of textiles, leather, plastics, paper |
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) | PAH are found in oil, coal and oils used for the production of tyres and some plastic or rubber components. They exist as contaminants in those parts. |
Heavy Metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium | Heavy metals can be used as alloy to improve the strength of metals and heavy metal compounds are used widely in various materials such as paint, plastic and textiles. |
Formaldehyde | Formaldehyde may be found in textiles treated with anti-wrinkles finishing. It can also be found in composite wood. |
Phthalates | Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers (softeners) for PVC and other polymers e.g. rubb |
TÜV SÜD’s range of safety marks for chemical content is backed by our reputation as an independent solutions provider and helps demonstrate your commitment to safety. Our dedicated experts are highly qualified in various consumer product items, providing advice that go from product inception through risk analysis to the finished product. We have more than 100 accreditations worldwide, enabling us to expedite your testing, inspection and certification needs by carrying out multiple services on your product.
Our experts offer extensive knowledge of the relevant market regulations in standards, testing and conformity requirements so that your product remains in line with the latest regulatory changes.
Many governments, industry associations and buyers create Restricted Substances Lists (RSL) in response to increasing public concern about product safety and environmental protection. These lists restrict the use or existence of certain carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxic, endocrine disruptive and nonbiodegradable chemicals and substances in finished textiles, apparel, footwear products, toys, electrical goods as well as hardline items.
Many restricted chemicals and substances continue to be used in production process. The RSL is a practical tool to help your business become more alert to the type of chemicals and materials used in your products. It enables you to control the use of these substances in your own processes, as well as those of your suppliers and retailers across your supply chain. This is increasingly important, as most major brands now insist that their stakeholders and partners conform to RSL guidelines.
TÜV SÜD assists manufacturers and retailers to understand the varying international regulations on hazardous substance use in different markets. We help you to meet regulatory requirements to comply with legislation such as RoHS and REACH, as well as USA state law requirements such as California Proposition 65. We are well-equipped with laboratory facilities to offer testing solutions that help to comply with legislation. We keep you updated on upcoming changes to RSL guidelines and how your products will be affected by these changes.
Examples of restricted substances and their possible sources
Restricted substances | Possible sources of restricted substances |
Aromatic amines cleaved from azo dyes | Aromatic amines are produced during the degradation or breakdown of certain azo dyes, which are coloring agents widely used in the production of textiles, leather, plastics, paper |
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) | PAH are found in oil, coal and oils used for the production of tyres and some plastic or rubber components. They exist as contaminants in those parts. |
Heavy Metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium | Heavy metals can be used as alloy to improve the strength of metals and heavy metal compounds are used widely in various materials such as paint, plastic and textiles. |
Formaldehyde | Formaldehyde may be found in textiles treated with anti-wrinkles finishing. It can also be found in composite wood. |
Phthalates | Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers (softeners) for PVC and other polymers e.g. rubb |
TÜV SÜD’s range of safety marks for chemical content is backed by our reputation as an independent solutions provider and helps demonstrate your commitment to safety. Our dedicated experts are highly qualified in various consumer product items, providing advice that go from product inception through risk analysis to the finished product. We have more than 100 accreditations worldwide, enabling us to expedite your testing, inspection and certification needs by carrying out multiple services on your product.
Our experts offer extensive knowledge of the relevant market regulations in standards, testing and conformity requirements so that your product remains in line with the latest regulatory changes.
Your benefits at a glance
- Save money and time - by ensuring that your products can achieve compliance with minimal delay or rework.
- Minimise risk - by keeping abreast of RSL guidelines, to avoid reputation-damaging product recalls.
- Gain a competitive edge - by providing assurance and confidence to retailers and consumers that your product is manufactured with critical consideration for chemical safety.
- Benefit from an expert partnership - with in-depth understanding of the latest changes and updates to the varying guidelines and regulations.