Mis à jour : mardi 23 mai 2017 22:54
GOTS specifically prohibits the use of any chemical input that releases carcinogenic aryl amine compounds MAK III categories 1,2,3,4. (Section 2.3.1, excerpt below).
Inputs (e.g. azo dyes and pigments) releasing carcinogenic arylamine compounds (MAK III, category 1,2,3,4) | Prohibited |
This includes aniline which is classified as MAK III Category 4 chemical.
GOTS recognises that even when material is produced to GOTS standards, there could be the possibility of unintended or unknown sources of contamination, which is why residue limits for certain chemicals have been specified for GOTS Goods under Section 2.4.15, see excerpt below :
Arylamines with carcinogenic properties (amine-releasing azo dyes MAK III, category 1,2,3)
Aniline (MAK III, category 4) |
< 20 mg/kg < 100 mg/kg |
Test method : EN 14362-1 and -3 (HPLC/GCMS) |
Worldwide, most institutions have similar views on aniline.
Aniline is known to possess slight contact sensitising potential.
There is no legal or scientific reference or study related safe limit values for aniline. However, it is logical that residual unintended limit values for aniline should be higher than those for chemicals classified under MAK III Categories 1,2 and 3. Based on these facts and discussions with experts, the GOTS Standards Committee decided to define a realistic and appropriate residue limit keeping in mind aniline’s hazard potential and practicability.
Given these circumstances, GOTS feels that their residual, unintended use limit of 100 mg/kg, with current understanding and knowledge is adequate to ensure safety of consumers and in line with its larger philosophy of sustainability.
Please download the position paper as pdf here.