OEKO-TEX® 2026: What's Changing from June
Apr 21, 2026
1. STANDARD 100 – Tighter Limit Values
| Category | Changes |
|---|---|
| PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) | More substances added to testing scope, limits lowered further |
| Bisphenol A (BPA) | Limit reduced again for baby products (Class I) |
| APEO (Alkylphenol ethoxylates) | More product categories covered, thresholds stricter |
2. Expanded Restricted Substance List
New substances of concern: Some UV stabilizers, flame retardants, and phthalates added
Disperse dyes: Limits lowered for certain potentially carcinogenic dyes
Heavy metals: Extractable chromium (VI), cobalt, nickel – limits tightened, especially for skin-contact products
3. ECO PASSPORT – Updated Requirements
Stricter criteria for chemical suppliers, especially around organic solvent residues and biodegradability
New assessment on COD (chemical oxygen demand) in production wastewater
4. STeP by OEKO-TEX® – Sustainable Textile Production
Companies must provide more detailed carbon emissions data; carbon management now carries more weight
Wastewater testing expanded to include additional parameters (e.g., certain phenolic compounds)
5. MADE IN GREEN – Label Adjustments
Supply chain traceability requirements tightened – manufacturers must submit more complete supply chain data
SAQ (Self-Assessment Questionnaire) updated with new questions on biodiversity and chemical substitution management
6. LEATHER STANDARD – Updates
Chromium (VI) limit value further lowered
Limits for certain fungicides and preservatives tightened
What This Means for Businesses
Raw material suppliers: Review your chemical auxiliary list – check if any newly restricted substances are in use
Fabric and finished product manufacturers: Consider sending samples for testing early to avoid certificate delays after June
Exporters (especially to the EU): The new rules align more closely with EU REACH regulations, so the compliance bar is effectively higher
