WHY IS TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TESTING IMPORTANT?

In the textiles and clothing market, it is not enough to just follow the latest fashion trends. You also need to pay attention to the quality of raw materials, the manufacturing processes and the safety of products which is why textiles and clothing testing is important. Dyes and other chemical substances used in the manufacture of textile products can pose a risk to end-users, so it is essential to avoid the use of hazardous substances. In the case of textiles and accessories that come into direct contact with leather, manufacturers and distributors have an even greater responsibility to ensure compliance with the relevant standards.

RELEVANT REGULATIONS FOR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING

To ensure that manufacturers and distributors can guarantee the highest quality and safety, several regulations and standards set out certain conditions. To maintain consistent quality, it is necessary to consider various regulations, such as:

  • REACH (EC) 1907/2006 or the POP Regulation (EC) 2019/1021: textiles must not contain certain substances (eg heavy metals, allergenic and carcinogenic dyes, azo dyes, chlorinated phenols, formaldehyde, etc.) or contain them only to a limited extent.
  • EU regulation 1007/2011 on raw materials: guidelines for the determination of the composition of raw materials, the designation and labelling of fibre materials

A significant proportion of the quality fines imposed by the authorities are due to inadequate marking, labelling or harmful compounds in the product. The quality and safety of products are the responsibility of both the manufacturer and the distributor, so all actors in the supply chain need to ensure the conformity of products.

OUR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TESTING SERVICES

We support our partners in the textiles and clothing market at both national and international level to increase quality and minimise risks. We carry out rigorous chemical and mechanical testing on products in our accredited laboratories. To identify potential risks, our experts test declared properties and safety in everyday use of textiles such as:

  • raw materials for clothing and finished products
  • underwear
  • textile toys
  • household textiles
  • technical textiles
  • accessories

Contact us for a quote or with your queries

TEXTILES AND CLOTHING CHEMICAL & MECHANICAL TESTING SERVICES

In our EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited laboratories, we carry out complex chemical and mechanical tests according to MSZ, DIN, EN, ISO and other international standards on textile and clothing products as well as accessories.

  • Chemical tests for textile and clothing
    • Formaldehyde
    • pH
    • Aromatic amines derived from azo dyes
    • Allergic and carcinogenic dyes
    • Alkylphenols and their ethoxylates (AP, APEO)
    • Chlorinated benzenes and toluene (COC)
    • Chlorinated phenols (PCP, TCP, TeCP, etc)
    • Chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP)
    • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
    • Dimethyl fumarate (DMFu)
    • Phthalates
    • Poly- and perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS - PFOS, PFOA etc)
    • Flame retardants (TCEP, TCPP, TDCP, TEPA, TRIS)
    • Organotin compounds
    • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
    • Bisphenol-A (BPA)
    • Metal content (lead, cadmium, etc)
    • Nickel leaching (metals)
    • Extractable heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, etc)

    Contact our experts to discuss how we can help ensure the safety of your products

  • Mechanical tests for textiles and clothing
    • Material composition and structural tests
    • Strength tests (tensile strength, tear strength, seam thread slip, etc)
    • Colour fastness tests (water, light, rubbing, sweat, washing, dry cleaning, saliva, etc)
    • Dimensional, surface variation and durability tests (eg folding resistance, water repellency, air permeability, wrinkling tendency, pilling test, wear resistance, etc)
    • Flame resistance tests
    • Corrosion tests (metallic accessories)

    Contact our experts to find out how we can support you

  • Expert services for textiles and clothing
    • Label and buyer’s guide checks
    • Testing of use and handling properties
    • Preparation of an investigation report and expert opinion

Your benefits

Pictogram in .SVG for Minimise Risk Minimising risks - Full laboratory testing to ensure compliance with quality and safety requirements helps prevent fines, product recalls and reputational risks.
Pictogram in .SVG for Target Competitive advantage - By using our extensive testing and expert services, you can assure your customers of the quality and safety compliance of your textile and clothing products, thereby increasing your company's marketability and competitiveness.
Pictogram in .SVG for Certified Document Strengthening your brand reputation - Our test reports and expert opinions are a symbol of reliability at national and international level, which can increase customer engagement and strengthen your brand reputation.

WHY CHOOSE TÜV SÜD

  • Testing according to international standards
  • Decades of professional experience
  • A client-oriented approach
  • Innovative laboratories, modern equipment
  • Extensive test coverage
  • Continuous reduction of detectability limits

TÜV SÜD is one of the world's leading certification companies, providing its customers with high-quality technical, quality and safety solutions for inspection, verification, auditing and certification.

Contact our experts to find out how we can support you

EXPLORE

Global labelling
E-book

Global labelling for apparel and footwear

Ensure full labelling compliance with this handbook

Learn more

Meeting regulatory compliance for apparel & footwear
E-book

Softlines regulatory handbook

Learn about softline regulations worldwide

Learn more

sustainability softlines webinar
Webinar

Textile & Footwear Industry: Recycled content testing & verification (Session 1)

Learn how you can substantiate recycled content claims in the textile and footwear industry.

Learn More

Biodegradable Packaging Certification
Infographics

Biodegradable packaging certification

Determine the compostability of packaging and packaging materials.

Learn More

VIEW ALL RESOURCES

Next Steps

Site Selector