US textile industry extends list of banned substances

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Nov 7, 2012

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has released a list of substances prohibited in the sector. The 11th edition of the Restricted Substances List (RSL) includes recommendations from the Children Safe Product Act and a list of substances unfit for use in clothing manufacturing. Act, et la liste des substances non-réglementées présentes dans l’habillement.

The list was compiled to help international suppliers to conform to American legislation, which is particularly important given that 97 percent of clothing sold in the United States is manufactured abroad. The document, which was originally written in English, has been made available in Chinese, Vietnamese and Spanish. “The Restricted Substance List created by the AAFA could prove to be a useful resource for the industry as we pursue collaboration and harmonisation of complicated rules and restrictions,” said Kevin Burke, president of the AAFA. “We are very happy to be able to offer this list to the industry.”

The publication of the list is also a preparative step for the International Product Safety and Environmental Compliance Conference that the AAFA will hold on 5th December in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At this event the American textile industry and international suppliers will attempt to tackle safety and environmental issues in the sector.