Sweden Advocates EU'S Ban On Imports Of NPE Textiles

A few days ago, Sweden issued a notice to the European Chemicals authority that it would compile a document on nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (NPE).

The document will be drafted by the Swedish chemical administration to list the EU's rationale for prohibiting the import of NPE textiles, and is due to be submitted to the European Chemicals authority before August 2012.

Sweden's initiative will eventually lead to a total ban on the sale of textiles containing NPE from the EU.

The Swedish chemical administration estimates that it will take only two years to incorporate the ban into the European chemicals registration, assessment and Licensing Act (REACH).

NPE is a biodegradable surfactant. It is highly toxic to aquatic organisms. It is often used as a surfactant in textile production. It is rapidly decomposed into nonylphenol (NP) when discharged into the environment.

Nonylphenol (NP) is a recognized environmental hormone. It simulates estrogen, has an effect on the sexual development of organisms, and interferes with the endocrine of organisms and is toxic to reproductive system.

Here, the inspection and quarantine department suggests that textile enterprises should make early plans, improve textile technology, eliminate toxic and harmful substances in the production process, understand and grasp the EU's technical trade measures on imported textiles, so as to take measures to prevent the recall from being reported due to unqualified testing.

In addition, we should enhance the quality awareness of enterprises, strengthen the training of internal staff, ensure product quality and safety, make products pass the inspection of foreign markets smoothly, and establish a good quality image for themselves.