Guide to Restrictions under Regulation (EU) 2018/1513 to control certain carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR) substances in textiles and clothing will be effective November 1, 2020.

The European Union has released EXPLANATORY GUIDE ON THE RESTRICTION ON CMRs 1A and 1B IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING. Restrictions under Regulation (EU) 2018/1513 to control certain carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR) category 1A or 1B substances in textiles and clothing will be effective after November 1, 2020. The guide provides lists of articles covered and not covered by the restriction, as well as available analytical methods for determining CMR substance levels.

According to the guide:

"Information from public authorities and stakeholders' reports indicate the potential for consumers to be exposed to CMR substances present in clothing and related accessories, other textiles or footwear through contact with the skin or through inhalation. These products are widely available for use by consumers, including in a private capacity or when using a product within the context of a service provided to the general public (for example bedlinen in a hospital or upholstery in a public library). Therefore, in order to minimise such consumer exposure, the placing on the market of CMR substances in clothing and related accessories (including, inter alia, sportswear and bags), or footwear for use by consumers should be prohibited where the CMR substances are present in concentrations above a certain level. For the same reason, this restriction should also cover the situation where CMR substances are present in those concentrations in other textiles that come into contact with human skin to an extent that is similar to clothing (for example, bedlinen, blankets, upholstery or reusable nappies). "