EU legislation: Azo dyes in textiles and leather products

If you are an exporter of textile and/or leather articles, you have to make sure that your products do not carry any of the azo dyes that are prohibited in the EU.

Azo dyes are often used in the colouring process of textiles and leather. Some of these dyes have the capacity to release certain aromatic amines which pose cancer risks. Azo dyes releasing these amines are not allowed to be used to dye textile and leather products that come into contact with the skin.

This document provides information on the legal restrictions, as well as information on testing methods and a practical example of current business implementation procedures.