Building trust in the textile and leather industry and creating trust for customers is OEKO-TEX's mission. Consistently high quality is the cornerstone of earning trust, and in order to continue to ensure quality, the OEKO-TEX Association will once again update the test standards, limit values and guidelines applicable to certification.
The Oeko-Tex Association publishes annual updates on test standards, limit values and guidelines in accordance with the latest scientific discoveries and legal regulations. The new rules will come into force on April 1, 2024, after the end of the regular transition period (with the exception of the total fluorinated limit). 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. The new regulations add new standards for the conformance of foams, microplastics, GMOs and SVHCs.
As the founder and official issuer of Oeko-Tex, Hohenstein will take you to understand the detailed changes of the new regulations of Oeko-Tex 2024.
New limit value requirements for total fluorine content in PFAS
OEKO-TEX has replaced extractable organic fluorine (EOF) test methods with total fluorineAs of January 1, 2024,Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Eco Passport, Leather Standard and Organic Cotton certifiedA new limit of 100 mg kg will be applied。This update ensures that all OEKO-TEX certifications comply with US PFAS regulations.
Oeko-Tex Step: Avoid the release of microplastics
The updated OEKO-Tex STEP standard will require certified production plants to proactively identify and manage risks in order to reduce or directly avoid the release of microplastics from the production process。At a time when microplastics are facing serious challenges at all stages of the production process, the STEP standard provides a solution to promote harmonious cooperation between industrial practices and environmental protection, and to support and issue a call to action for STEP certified factories.
oeko-tex® step: Deepening cooperation with ZDHC
In 2024,OEKO-Tex Step certified companies will receive a new discount under the ZDHC Supplier to Zero program
ZDHC Beginner (Level 1) - STEP customers are eligible for free service.
ZDHC Advanced (Level 2) - STEP customers can enjoy a 5% discount.
Companies that are already STEP certified and interested in participating in the program can contact the Oeko-Tex testing institute for more information.
oeko-tex® leather standardTraceability of leather materials
The Oeko-Tex Leather Standard will be even more in line with the requirements of the EU Zero Deforestation ActEmphasis is placed on the traceability of leather materialsand require the certification applicant to provide a certificate of origin of the raw material.
oeko-tex® organic cottonAdjust the limit value of genetically modified cotton
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 the detection of hazardous 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.
Limited value catalogue updated
Standard 100 (Appendix 4 & 6), Leather Standard, Organic Cotton and Eco Passport certifiedSubstances of Very High Concern (SVHC) have been partially added to the Limit Value Catalogue。For example, the addition of bis(4-chlorophenyl)sulfone and the solvent 1,4-dioxane can have adverse effects on human health and the environment.
PFAS Changes
The standard will replace the current EOF (extractable organic fluorine) limit with total fluorine (TF) and aims to prohibit the intentional use of PFAS. The limit value was adjusted to 100 mg kg for all product grades. PPE is not subject to the total fluoride content.
New substances and SVHC substances have been added to the list of limited values
oeko-tex®In the new regulations in 2024, except for the total fluorine limit value requirement, which will take effect from January 1, 2024, all other contents will take effect on April 1. Below Hohenstein has summarized the details of the OEKO-TEX series of certification updates.
New regulations for Oeko-Tex Standard 100 in 2024.
OEKO-TEX ECO PASSPORT 2024 NEW REGULATIONS OEKO-TEX STEP 2024 NEW REGULATIONS.
OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN 2024 NEW REGULATIONS.
New regulations for the Oeko-Tex Leather Standard 2024.