Japan updates the azo restriction in textiles

MHLW (Ministry of Healthlabour and Welfare) published government bill No. 175 to amend the
current Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances (Bill No. 112 of
1973) including revision on limits on azo compounds in April 2015. The proposed date for
effectiveness is 1 April 2016.
Scope of household products:
1. Textile products with azo dyes: diapers, diaper covers, underwear, sleepwear, gloves, socks,
intermediate garments, outer garments, caps, hats, bedding, floor coverings, tablecloths,
collar ornaments, handkerchiefs, towels, bath mats and related products;
2. Leather and/or fur products with azo dyes: underwear, gloves, intermediate garments, outer
garments, caps, hats and floor coverings.
Recommended Test Methods:
1. JIS L 1940-1:2014 (ISO 24362-1:2014) Textiles Methods for determination of certain
aromatic amines derived from azo colorants Part 1: Detection of the use of certain azo
colorants accessible with and without extracting the fibres;
2. JIS L 1940-3:2014 (ISO 24362-3:2014) Textiles Methods for determination of certain
aromatic amines derived from azo colorants Part 3: Detection of the use of certain azo
colorants, which may release 4-aminoazobenzene.

2015 4 Ministry of Health, Labour and WelfareMHLW 175

1973 112
2016 4 1
2015 7 124
24 30 //
GC-MS

JIS L 1940-1:2014 (ISO 24362-1:2014)--


JIS L 1940-3:2014 (ISO 24362-3:2014)
4-