The Controls on Certain Azo Dyes and Blue Colourant Regulations 2003

Prohibition on the placing on the market and use of azo dyes

4.—(1) Azo dyes which, by reductive cleavage of one or more azo groups, may release in detectable concentrations one or more of the aromatic amines listed in Schedule 1 to these Regulations may not be used in textile and leather articles which may come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin or oral cavity, including—

(a) clothing, bedding, towels, hairpieces, wigs, hats, nappies and other sanitary items, sleeping bags;

(b) footwear, gloves, wristwatch straps, handbags, purses or wallets, briefcases, chair covers, purses worn round the neck;

(c) textile or leather toys and toys which include textile or leather garments; and

(d) yarn and fabrics intended for use by the final consumer.

(2) For the purposes of this regulation “detectable concentrations” means concentrations of aromatic amines above 30 ppm in the finished articles or in the dyed parts thereof.

(3) No person shall supply, offer or agree to supply, expose or possess for supply any textile and leather articles referred to in paragraph (1) of this regulation unless they conform to the requirements set out in that paragraph.

(4) The prohibition in paragraph (3) shall not apply to—

(a) textile and leather articles placed on the market in a Member State before 11th September 2003; and

(b) textile articles made of recycled fibres placed on the market in a Member State before 1st January 2005 provided that—

(i) the amines are released by residues deriving from previous dyeing of the same fibres; and

(ii) the amines referred to in paragraph (1) are released in concentrations below 70 ppm.