At the beginning of 2024, the OEKO-TEX Association has once again updated the testing standards, limit values and guidelines applicable to its certification in the light of new scientific discoveries and legal regulations. The new rules will come into force on April 1, 2024, after a three-month transition period (with the exception of the total fluorinated limit value). The new Total Fluorine (TF) limit value replaces the previous extractable organic fluorine (EOF), which came into effect on January 1, 2024, and aims to prohibit the intentional use of PFAS. As the founder and official issuer of Oeko-Tex, Hohenstein will take you through the detailed changes of the new regulations of Oeko-Tex Organic Cotton in 2024.
New limit value requirements for total fluorine content in PFAS
PFAS is widely used and has potential negative impacts on human health and the environment, so we need to act quickly to change this. OEKO-TEX has replaced extractable organic fluorine (EOF) test methods with total fluorine. From 1 January 2024, the new limit value of 100 mg kg will be applied for the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Eco Passport, Leather Standard and Organic Cotton certifications for all product grades. PPE products are not subject to the total fluorine content. This update ensures that all OEKO-TEX certifications comply with US PFAS regulations.
PFAS Changes
New substances and SVHC substances have been added to the list of limited values
The Oeko-Tex Organic Cotton certification is designed to provide proof of reliability for organic cotton textiles. Certification begins with qualitative DNA analysis to determine whether the sample contains genetically modified cotton, and then quantitative analysis to determine the proportion of genetically modified cotton in the sample. In addition to testing for harmful substances, the Oeko-Tex Organic Cotton certification stipulates that GMO testing is less than 5%, which is a decrease from the previous 10%. The new limit values also take into account unavoidable impurities.
A new volatile organic compounds item has been added to the requirements of Appendix 4 of Organic Cotton. The aim of this measure is to strengthen regulatory security and ensure the health of the end consumer. The transition period for this change is one year.
In the future, during the Organic Cotton certification process, we will arrange for inspectors to visit the spinning mill and cotton gin to take samples. These nodes are critical in the chain to prevent fraud from occurring.