What does REACH stand for?

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals. It is a European Union regulation that took effect in 2007.

Who is responsible for REACH compliance?

The importer (the brand or retailer based in the EU) is legally responsible for ensuring that products imported into the European market comply with REACH regulations.

What happens if my products are not REACH compliant?

Non-compliant products can be seized by customs, withdrawn from the market, and the importer can face significant fines. It also leads to severe reputational damage.

How do I test my clothes for REACH compliance?

You should send samples of your garments to an accredited third-party lab (like SGS, Intertek, or TUV) to test for the presence of SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern).

Does REACH apply to all textile products?

Yes, REACH applies to all chemical substances, including those used in textiles, apparel, footwear, and accessories like buttons and zippers.

REACH Compliance for Clothing from China: EU Chemical Safety Requirements

If you are a European fashion brand or a retailer importing garments into the EU, REACH is a term you must know inside and out. It is the backbone of chemical safety regulation in Europe. Ensuring REACH compliance for clothing from China is not just about being ethical; it is a strict legal requirement. This guide breaks down what REACH means for your manufacturing process and how to stay compliant.

1. Understanding the Scope of REACH

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) was implemented to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. In the context of apparel, this refers to the dyes, finishes, and treatments used on fabrics, as well as the materials in accessories like zippers and buckles. REACH compliance for clothing from China means your products do not contain prohibited levels of harmful substances.

The regulation applies to all substances, not just those used in industrial processes but also those in our day-to-day lives, such as in clothes. As an importer, the burden of proof is on you to demonstrate that your goods meet these high European standards.

2. Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)

One of the core parts of REACH is the "Candidate List" of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). These are chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction. REACH compliance for clothing from China focuses heavily on ensuring that these substances are not present in your garments above a concentration of 0.1% (weight by weight).

The list is updated twice a year by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Common SVHCs in textiles include certain phthalates (often found in screen prints), lead (in metal buttons), and azo dyes. Staying updated on this list is a full-time job, which is why working with a knowledgeable manufacturer is essential.

3. The Role of Third-Party Testing

While many factories in China will provide you with a "Declaration of Compliance," this is rarely enough for European customs or large retail platforms like Zalando or Amazon. To truly ensure REACH compliance for clothing from China, you must invest in independent third-party testing.

We recommend choosing an accredited laboratory such as SGS, Intertek, or TUV Rheinland. They will test your final garments for restricted substances and provide an official test report. This report is your "golden ticket" if customs ever questions the safety of your shipment. Many brands perform these tests once per season or for every new fabric quality introduced.

4. REACH Annex XVII: Restricted Substances

While the SVHC list is about notification, Annex XVII contains the list of substances that are strictly restricted or prohibited in certain applications. For example, nickel release in garments with direct skin contact (like jeans buttons) is strictly limited to prevent allergic reactions. Similarly, the use of certain flame retardants in children's wear is prohibited.

REACH compliance for clothing from China requires your factory to have a deep understanding of these specific restrictions. They must source their raw materials from mills that also adhere to these standards. It is a chain of compliance that starts at the fiber level and ends at the finished garment.

5. How to Manage Compliance with Your Factory

Successfully managing REACH compliance for clothing from China requires clear communication from the start. Include compliance requirements in your Purchase Orders (PO) and manufacturing contracts. Explicitly state that "all goods must comply with EU REACH regulation, including the latest SVHC list."

Ask your manufacturer for their chemical management policy. Do they have a Restricted Substances List (RSL)? Do they regularly test their suppliers? A proactive factory will be happy to share this information. By building a partnership based on transparency, you can minimize the risk of non-compliance and build a resilient, sustainable brand.

Navigate European Compliance with Ease

Shanlinyang Apparel helps global brands meet EU safety standards. Our production processes are designed to align with REACH and other international chemical regulations.

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