Illustrative situation
A brand preparing to list underwear and T-shirts in the EU is asked by a marketplace to confirm REACH compliance. The brand has the factory’s general statement, but does not know what the rules actually cover.
Main answer
REACH is the EU’s chemicals regulation, and for apparel sales the main points are the restricted substances in Annex XVII, such as certain azo dyes and nickel release from metal parts, and the duty to pass on information when an article contains a listed substance of very high concern above 0.1% by weight. Ask suppliers for evidence for your styles before you list.
Annex XVII restrictions
ECHA publishes the list of substances restricted under REACH. For textiles, entry 43 restricts azo dyes that can release certain aromatic amines above a set limit in articles that have direct and prolonged skin contact, and clothing is included. Entry 27 limits nickel release from metal parts such as zips and rivets that touch the skin.
Substances of very high concern
Under Article 33, a supplier of an article containing a Candidate List substance above 0.1% by weight must give recipients enough information for safe use and, on a consumer’s request, within 45 days. This is a communication duty, not a ban, but marketplaces often ask about it.
Evidence to request
Ask the supplier for test reports from an accredited laboratory for the substances relevant to your styles, a restricted substances list the factory follows and declarations for trims, prints and dyes. A general statement of compliance is a starting point, not proof.
Marketplaces and retailers
Many EU marketplaces and retailers add their own restricted substances lists, which can be stricter than the law. Ask each buyer for its list early, compare it with your supplier’s, and agree who tests what, so a late request does not hold up a launch.
Related reading
See the boxer brief manufacturer page for the products behind this topic, and read prop 65 next. Both are general guides, not a quotation.
Keep it current
The Candidate List and restrictions are updated several times a year. Set a reminder to review them, and have an adviser check complex products. Keep reports with the style files.
Fact, recommendation, uncertainty
- Established fact
- REACH Annex XVII restricts azo dyes releasing certain amines in skin-contact textiles and limits nickel release from metal parts, and Article 33 requires information when a Candidate List substance exceeds 0.1% weight by weight in an article.
- Recommendation
- Request accredited lab reports and a restricted substances list from suppliers, and review the lists regularly.
- Uncertainty
- Lists and limits change, and other EU or national rules may also apply, so verify the current texts.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked on 24 October 2026. Standards bodies sell the full texts; we cite what their public pages state. General information, not legal or technical certification advice.
More perspectives from the team
Three further views on the same question, each by function. They add conditions and limits to the main answer; they are editorial notes, not customer reviews.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Sourcing
Ask suppliers which dyes, prints and metal trims each style uses and for their test reports. Limit: a supplier relying on its own suppliers may need time to collect declarations.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Product selection
Choose plastic-free and nickel-free trims where you can, and favour simple dye systems. Limit: design choices reduce risk but do not replace testing. Choose a fabric and trim set that you can reuse across styles, so each test report covers more of your range and costs less per style.
Sino Finetex Editorial Team Quality & care
Match the lab report to the exact lot and materials used in the garments you ship. Limit: a report on a similar fabric may not cover your colour or finish.
Related products
- Boxer Briefs Manufacturer
Sino Finetex product page
- Men Jockstrap Manufacturer
Sino Finetex product page
- Products
Sino Finetex product page
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