Textile product is related to "Intended to be Released"?

Under REACH, textile products, such as Jackets, T-shirts, footwear, bags, etc are defined as "Article". Which article means an object giving a special shape, surface or design during production that determines its function to a greater degree than does its chemical composition.


According to REACH regulation, article itself is not the right candidate for registration unless SVHC found in article. Moreover two criteria should be fulfilled if registration can be triggered as below condition (c).

Substance in Article, if:
a. Not Intended to be released --> No registration
b. Intended to be released and less than 1 t/a --> No registration
c. Intended to be released and more than 1 t/a --> Registration

The concept "Intended to be released" is crucial for manufacturers or importers to consider whether the textile articles are involved in REACH registration process. "Intended release" is a deliberate action and has "added value" function for the article.

Below two examples of "Intended Release".

1. Chemical substances such as dyestuffs, softerner and some agent are applied in textile production and it will be released after washing & finishing cycles, but it is not "Intended to be released".



2. Some chemicals (eg. Aloe Vera) added on the fabric and it has a value-added function for skin care by this chemcial released from the fabric during wearing. This substance in product is "Intended to be released".