compliance · 5 min read

EU REACH for textiles: what importers are responsible for

REACH puts the responsibility on the importer, not the factory. If a restricted substance is found in your goods, it is your shipment that is stopped.

By Weft Bridge · Reviewed by our Guangzhou sourcing team · Updated 2026-11

What REACH restricts

Azo dyes that can release carcinogenic amines — banned above 30 mg/kg in the EU.
Certain flame retardants, phthalates and heavy metals.
SVHC substances above 0.1% by weight, with notification obligations.
Nickel release from metal accessories in contact with skin.

What you need before shipping

A test report from an accredited laboratory on the actual article, covering azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, pH and, where relevant, phthalates and nickel.

A statement of compliance from the supplier, referencing the regulation and the test report.

A bill of materials that identifies every component, including trims, prints and coatings — the risk is often in the accessory, not the fabric.

Where it goes wrong

A report for the fabric but not for the print or the buttons.
A report older than the production batch, with no link to the goods shipped.
A generic “REACH compliant” certificate with no test data behind it.
SVHC screening done once and never updated as the list changes.

FAQ

Who is the importer under REACH?

The EU entity placing the goods on the market. If you sell from outside the EU, your EU customer or your appointed responsible person carries the obligation.

Is OEKO-TEX enough for REACH?

It covers many of the same substances and is strong evidence, but confirm it matches the article and the current SVHC list.