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.
Aniline in Indigo Colorants - New Test Method for OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT Certification
The new reductive test method considers the physical form (powder or leuco) of indigo colorants. It enables better detection and more precise measurement.
- Threshold value for aniline: 400 mg/kg (was 100 mg/kg)
- Limit value for certification with restriction: 2,000 mg/kg (was 500 mg/kg)
- The test results are normalized to 100% concentration of indigo (especially for the leuco-form)
Regarding "organic cotton" or "GMO not detectable" in STANDARD 100 Certification
After careful consideration and in line with our commitment to transparency and quality, the mention of "organic" or "GMO not detectable" will no longer be included in STANDARD 100 certification of cotton, effective April 1, 2025.
Certifying cotton as organic is achievable through OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON.
This decision is driven by our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.
This pertains specifically to cotton materials. Other organic materials such as hemp, linen or wool remain unaffected. This rule was implemented to enhance our oversight of certified organic cotton, an area where fraud is prevalent. Our aim is to certify only genuinely trustworthy organic cotton as such.
Phased approach to ease transition:
- Starting October 1, 2024
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certifications with "organic" or "GMO not detectable" within their scope will no longer be issued or renewed for GINNERS and SPINNERS and must be transferred to OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON. - Starting April 1, 2025
This change will apply to ALL.
PFAS UPDATE - Effective January 1, 2024
- 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® STeP
OEKO-TEX® RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
