Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation

SASO

Technical Regulations of Textile Products

Published in the Official Gazette on

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Introduction

The Technical Regulations of Textile Products are determined by SASO:

In response to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), in accordance with the resolution No. 244 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated 21/09/1426 AH, concerning the approval of documentation on the Kingdom's accession to the WTO, and all requisite commitments on behalf of the Kingdom, of conformity to regulations in accordance with the principles of the organisation's agreements; and in particular with the Technical Barriers to Trade agreement (TBT), which dictates that no unnecessary technical conditions shall impede the flow of goods among the Member States, and that technical conditions and conformity assessment methods shall not discriminate between products on the basis of origin. The Technical Regulations include the basic legal requirements and standardised business procedures.

The Technical Regulations support the Kingdom’s aim of a sustainable development that does not discriminate between the local and international movement of products, and conform to internationally agreed obligations. The Technical Regulations achieve this by ensuring a high level of human and environmental protection, free movement of products, strengthening competition and creativity, and facilitating development of procedures and legislation related to risk evaluation of the materials used in products.

In accordance with Article III (paragraph 1) Resolution 216 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated 17/06/1431 AH (31/5/2010 AD), the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation, (SASO) is responsible for "issuing Saudi standard specifications, systems, quality manuals and conformity assessments, compatible with international standards and guidelines, that fulfil WTO requirements while complying with Islamic Law and ensuring the interests of the Kingdom."

In accordance with Article IV (paragraph 2) Resolution 216 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated 17/06/1431 AH (31/5/2010 AD), the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) is responsible for "issuing regulations for conformity assessment procedures for goods, products and services according to the specific requirements that it approves."

In accordance with Article IV (paragraph 14) Resolution 216 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated 17/06/1431 AH (31/5/2010 AD), the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) is responsible for "revising all control systems and regulations related to SASO’s areas of interest, developing them, suggesting suitable modifications to maintain compliance with quality and safety requirements, introducing them to the relevant bodies for further consideration, approval and issuing via official channels.”

In accordance with Article VI (paragraph 1) Resolution 216 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated 17/06/1431 AH (31/5/2010 AD), "Given Article IV of this regulation, [SASO] is considered the authority in all issues related to standards in the Kingdom, including conformity assessment procedures, the granting of quality levels, measurement and calibration. Consequently, all government and private sector bodies must adhere to the Saudi standard specifications in all their procurements."

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Given that the basis for products’ conformity with the essential requirements for safety in the specified regulations are (among other things) the standard specifications of the products subject to regulations, SASO has drawn up the Technical Regulations of Textile Products concerning general safety.Note: This introduction and all annexes are an integral part of the regulation.

Article I: Terms and DefinitionsIn the application of the articles of this regulation, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context requires otherwise:

SASO: Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO)The Board: SASO’s Board of Directors.KSA: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Technical Regulations: A document approved by the Board of Directors which lays down product characteristics or their related processes and production methods, including the applicable administrative provisions, with which compliance is mandatory. It may also include or deal exclusively with terminology, symbols, packaging, marking or labelling requirements as they apply to a product, process or production method.

Standard: a document specifying the qualities of the good, material, service, or sundry, subject to assessment. The standard also provides descriptions, defining characteristics, standards of quality, dimensions, measurements, and safety and security requirements. It may also include or deal exclusively with terminology, symbols, packaging, marking or labelling requirements as they apply to a product, process or production method.

Essential requirements: the special requirements of the products that may affect safety, health or the environment, and which must be adhered to.

Market Surveillance: activities and measures carried out by Market Surveillance Authorities to ensure that products comply with the requirements set out in the relevant technical regulations, and that they do not endanger health, safety, the environment, or any other aspect of public interest protection.

Market Surveillance Authorities: the governmental authorities responsible for carrying out the processes of market surveillance.

Regulatory authorities: the authorities / government bodies which are assigned regulatory tasks according to their areas of expertise, and that are responsible for the carrying out of technical regulations and the follow up thereof, whether in customs offices, points of sale or factories.

Hazard(s): a potential source of harm.

Risk(s): the probable rate of occurrence of a hazard causing harm and the degree of severity of the harm.

Supplier: any official or non-official person in the supply chain, whose activities may have an impact on the characteristics of the product, and refers to any of the following:

Manufacturer of the product:

- if established in the Kingdom, and any other person acting as the manufacturer by affixing to the product their name, trade mark or other distinctive mark, or the person who reconditions the product;

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- the manufacturer's representative, if the manufacturer is not established in the Kingdom or, if there is no representative established in the Kingdom, the importer of the product;

- other persons in the supply chain, insofar as their activities may affect the properties of a product

Agent of the Manufacturer in the Kingdom if the manufacturer is non-resident within the Kingdom, or the importer if the manufacturer has no Agent in the Kingdom.

Any of the supply chain partners, whose activities may affect the product characteristics.

Conformity Assessment Procedures: a document approved by the Board of Directors that describes the procedures to be used directly, or indirectly, for the conformity assessment.

Accredited Body: a conformity assessment body accredited by SASO according to acceptance criteria of the conformity assessment body.

Certificate of Conformity: a certificate issued by the SASO or by one of the notified bodies that confirms that the product, or any portion of it, meets relevant standard requirements.

Supplier statement of conformity: a supplier’s statement stating that his product conforms to the requirement of the applicable regulations without any mandatory intervention of a third party in the design phase or in the manufacturing processes. The statement may be based on results of tests performed on the product in accordance with the relevant legislations.

Saudi Quality Mark: A mark approved by SASO, confirming that an establishment has an effective management system ensuring the production of a commodity in conformance with the relevant regulation, certification procedures and Saudi standards.

Placing on the market: The first offer of a product to the market of the KSA under responsibility of the manufacturer or importer.

Making available on the market: any supply of product for distribution, consumption or use in the KSA in the course of a commercial activity, whether against payment or free of charge.

Withdrawal: any measure aimed at preventing products in the supply chain from being made available on the market.

Recall: any measure aimed at achieving the return of products that have been made available to the end user.

For the purpose of this technical document:- "should" lays out a prescribed recommendation- "is permitted" refers to a permission.- "may" refers to a possibility or probability.- "may not" refers to an existing condition, which is not used.- "must" is used to impose an obligation or a requirement.

The Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as the Harmonised System (HS) of tariff nomenclature is an internationally standardised system of names and numbers to classify traded products.

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HS is organised as follows:Sections: e.g. (Textile and Textile Articles- Section XI)Chapter or Subsection: e.g. Articles of apparel and clothing accessories not knitted or crocheted. – Chapter 62Item: e.g. Women’s or Girls’ overcoats etc. – item 6202Sub-items: other textile materials – sub-item 620219Numeric Symbol or Code: each State have their own, depending on their wish to have a partial classification of the subsections. e.g. Handmade textile products made in the KSA (Woollen coats and other products such as Handmade woollen cloaks – Code 620219110000)

Terms and definitions of textile products‘Textile product’ means any raw, semi-worked, worked, semi-manufactured, manufactured, semi-made-up or made-up product which is exclusively composed of textile fibres, regardless of the mixing or assembly process employed

‘Textile fibre’ means either of the following:(i) a unit of matter characterised by its flexibility, fineness and high ratio of length to maximum transverse dimension, which render it suitable for textile applications;(ii) a flexible strip or tube, of which the apparent width does not exceed 5 mm, including strips cut from wider strips or films, produced from the substances used for the manufacture of the fibres listed in Annex (II) of these regulations which lists 49 types of textile fibre by universally agreed name.

The following standard specifications (SASO-ISO-2076 & SASO-ASTM-D123 & SASO-ISO-6938) can be used. They lay out the standard terminology used in textiles, common names and the definition of natural and synthetic fibres.

‘Textile component’ means a part of a textile product with an identifiable fibre content;

‘Extraneous fibres’ means fibres other than those stated on the label or marking

‘Lining’ means a separate component used in making up garments and other products, consisting of a single layer or multiple layers of textile material held in place along one or more of the edges."A label" is the required information about the product attached to it on a tag or a mark.

Article (2) Scope

This technical regulation applies to all textile products when made available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): 

• Products containing at least 80 % by weight of textile fibres. (This includes textile components of curtains, furniture, carpets, clothing, technical fabrics and textiles)

• Furniture, umbrella and sunshade coverings containing at least 80 % by weight of textile components.

• Textile components of:

a. The upper layer of the multi-layered floor covering;

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b. Mattress covers;

c. Coverings of camping equipment and goods, provided that the components constitute at least 80 % by weight of such upper layers or coverings:

d. Textiles incorporated in other products and forming an integral part thereof, including footwear, bags and head-covers.

Annex (1) shows the textile products which are subject to these regulations with reference to the corresponding HS classification code.

Article (3) ObjectivesThese regulations aim to lay out the basic requirements for the above mentioned textile products, the scope of these regulations, and the conformity assessment procedures that suppliers must comply with when placing and making available these products on the Kingdom's markets, so as to ensure the conformity of these products, preserve the environment and the health and safety of the consumer.

Article (4): Obligations of SuppliersThe supplier must meet the following requirements:- General requirements for the placing and making available of textile products on the Kingdom's markets- Technical requirements relating to the labels;- Technical requirements relating to safety of textile products;- The carrying of the applicable conformity assessment procedure through one of the accepted authorities;- Ensure that an effective environmental management system is provided at the factory exporting the production; (a factory having an Environmental Management Certificate conformant to SASO-ISO 14001, meets the requirements of this Article)

A. General RequirementsIn order to meet the basic requirements related to ensuring the safety of the textile products made available on the Kingdom's markets,The supplier must comply with the following:

• Textile products must conform to the requirements of these technical regulations and specified standards.

• Provide necessary evidence of the procedures that have been carried out in order to ensure the safety of products when requested by authorised inspectors from the relevant authorities in accordance with the approved technical regulations

The suppliers must commit themselves within the limits of their respective activities, to providing consumers with the relevant information where such risks are not immediately obvious without adequate warning, so as to enable them to take precautions against those risks.

• The presence of warnings to consumers does not exempt any person from compliance with the other requirements laid down in these technical regulations.

• Suppliers and distributors may not claim that they are not liable by claiming that they were unaware of the existence of the risks as they, as professionals, are supposed to be aware of, based on the information referred to herein these regulations or the standard specifications of the products available on the market.

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B. Labelling Requirements

Mandatory Labelling

The labelling and marking of textile products made available in KSA, in conformity with the related Standard Specifications (SASO-1173), shall be written in Arabic, being the official language of the Kingdom. English usage is allowed, unless a resolution advises otherwise.

Marking and labelling which provides information about the fibres used in the textile products is mandatory, to guarantee correct and standardised information, so that the consumers are able to make informed decisions.

Exception to this mandatory requirement is for a limited list of products defined in annex (5).

It is important that the symbols used in labels and marks of textiles, and for all the documents related to the products during the various steps of production, manufacturing and distributing, do not to mislead the consumer.

The label shall be sewn or firmly attached to the products in a position that is commonly used in the textile industry 

The trademark or trade name of the manufacturer is allowed to be placed on the label provided that it does not include, partially or fully, the name of a fibre used in the textile or any other name that might confuse the consumer.

Mandatory use of fibre names to describe their composition

The label must show descriptions of textile fibre components. The information on the label shall be indicated in a manner that is easily legible, visible, clear and in a character set which is uniform regarding its size, style and font. This information shall be clearly visible to the consumer before the purchase, including when the purchase is made through electronic means.

Names of fibres in textiles.Only the textile fibre names listed in Annex II shall be used for the description of fibre compositions on labels and markings of textile products

Use of "pure" in the description of composing fibresA textile product may not be described as "pure" or marked with "100 % pure", or "all" unless it is exclusively made up of the same fibre.Only textile products exclusively composed of the same fibre may be labelled or marked as ‘100 %’, ‘pure’ or ‘all’.

A textile product containing no more than 2 % by weight of extraneous fibres may also be treated as exclusively composed of the same fibre, provided this amount is justified by being technically unavoidable in good manufacturing practices and is not added as a matter of routine.A textile product which has undergone a carding process may also be treated as exclusively composed of the same fibre if it contains no more than 5 % by weight of extraneous fibres, provided this amount is

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justified by being technically unavoidable in good manufacturing practices and is not added as a matter of routine.

Fleece wool or virgin wool productsMarks and stickers in labels on textile products may include one of the names meaning raw wool provided it is composed exclusively of a wool fibre which has not been subjected to any spinning and/or felting process, and which has not been damaged by treatment or use.

Multi-fibre textile products A textile product must be labelled or marked with the name and percentage by weight of all constituent fibres in descending order and the relevant standard specifications are used to determine the percentages of constituent fibres.

Products for which the weight of a fibre cannot easily be stated at the time of the manufacture, may be designated by the term ‘other fibres’, immediately preceded or followed by their total percentage by weight in the following two cases:

• A single fibre which accounts for up to 5 % of the total weight of the textile product,• or, several fibres which collectively account for up to 15 % of the total weight of the textile product.

Decorative fibres and fibres incorporated for technical effectThe following fibres do not have to be taken into account in the fibre composition:• Visible, isolable fibres which are purely decorative and do not exceed 7 % of the weight of the finished product• Metallic fibres and other fibres which are incorporated in order to obtain a technical effect and which do not exceed by weight 2 % of the finished product.

Multi-component textile products

Any textile product containing two or more textile components having different textile fibre contents shall bear a label or marking stating the textile fibre content of each component. This labelling is not compulsory for textile components when:

- Those components are not main linings

- Two or more textile products have the same fibre content and normally form a single unit with a single name.

Textile products containing non-textile parts of animal origin

The presence of non-textile parts of animal origin in textile products shall be indicated by using the phrase ‘Contains non-textile parts of animal origin’ on the labelling or marking of products containing such parts whenever they are made available on the market. The labelling or marking shall not be misleading and shall be carried out in such a way that the consumer can easily understand.

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Technical information relating to the label

Depending on the nature and type of the textile products, additional information shall be added to the label by different methods. The manner in which they are added to the textile products vary from one product to another.In this regard, the Standard Specifications (SASO-1173) on textile product labelling is used. Annex (6) refers to some of these examples:

For fibre: A description and specifications of the textiles available on the market must be added, and the labels must be securely attached to the packaging medium.

For sewing yarns: the yarn number must be added, and the label must be attached securely on each cone.

For fabrics: The label must be attached to the packaging, and permanently on part of the roll, so that the label remains accompanying the product and is visible in the shops.

For clothing: the label must be securely attached or sewed onto the clothing, and size symbols must also be added, in accordance to the relevant Standard Specifications.

For carpets and rugs: technical specifications and terms of use must be added, and must be securely attached or on a label affixed to the back of the product. It is a must comply with relevant standards requirements.

Packaging of textile productsTextile products must be made available in the Kingdom's markets packaged in accordance with the accepted standard packaging processes; if plastics are used, the relevant regulations for this product must be applied.

Label content

Labels' content of textile products which are placed on and made available on the market, must be as mentioned hereunder:

Label content on the product and its packaging (in special cases), and in all technical documents which accompany its marketing, must conform with the technical requirements listed in these regulations, and with the relevant standard specifications;

The information on the label shall be indicated in a manner that is easily legible, visible, clear and in a character set which is uniform regarding its size, style and font, written in Arabic or English, shall be inerasable, and easy to read for the consumer before the purchase, including when the purchase is made through electronic means.

The label shall be sewn or firmly attached to the products, in such a way that makes it difficult to be removed, in compliance with the ways mentioned in these regulations, and in a position that is commonly used in the textile industry  All information on the labels must be correct and verified. The labelling shall include the following information:

Name of textile product;

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Fibre composition, described by the names listed in these regulations and followed by mass percentage, in accordance to the relevant standard specifications.

Product weight, size or dimension;

Manufacturer information, (the person making the product available on KSA market)

Country of origin, and whether the textile product was manufactured under a license of a trademark or well-known manufacturer.

Necessary information (care instructions) about the appropriate washing and cleaning instruction that ensure the safety of the product.

Images and words used on the packaging shall not violate public order, public morality and the Islamic values prevailing in KSA.

Article (5) - Safety Measures of Woven ProductWoven products offered in the Kingdom's markets should meet the special standards and specifications relating to safety, consumer health and environmental preservation for the purpose of which the product is manufactured.

- Safety requirements include consumer's safety from damages that the accessories of a product can cause, for example buttons and ropes in children's clothing referred to in the related description SASO EN 14682

- Safety requirements include the consumer's safety from the damages that can be caused by chemicals used in textile products, which are referred to in SASO-GSO-1956, as well as the characteristics attributed to the product; besides these characteristics, there shall not be any leakage of the used chemicals into the consumer's skin or to the environment during use, maintenance, dry-cleaning and washing. The related available and special specifications for every characteristic of the textile product are used during inspection or safety control.

1 Determination of the pHHuman skin can withstand a wide range of pH, but pH is the cause of skin irritation to many sensitive skin individuals to pH.

In the aim of protecting the health and safety of consumers, these technical regulations accurately set the permissible pH values in woven products presented in the Kingdom's markets as follows:

Table No.1: the permitted ph in the woven productsItem For children With direct skin contact With no direct skin

contact / decoration material

ph 4 - 7.5 4 - 7.5 4 - 9

Setting up the pH test is described in the standard characteristics SASO ISO-3071

2 Stability of dyes in textilesThe stability of dyes in textile products when washed or treated is one of the quality requirements. However, they could be harmful to the environment or human health if the dyes contain harmful chemicals mentioned in this technical list.

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The colour stability of the textile parts shall be at least 3-4 in the case of acidic sweat, and at least 3 when washed with water, both in terms of deterioration and bleeding. Characteristic SASO-GSO-1268 is used in this test.

3. Textile washing codeThe textile washing code is often on the label which is sawn to the textile products. It contains instructions on maintenance, washing or treatment, in clear statements or in the form of "GINETEX" symbols (the International Group for Care, Spinning and Weaving Marking). The supplier must make sure that the information is correct and that the code match the special procedures related to textile products treatment in accordance with the recommendations of the characteristic SASO-ISO-3758

4. Protection requirements from chemical hazards in textilesTextile products go through several complex manufacturing processing, where a number of materials (either natural or chemical) are used for treating, beautifying, dyeing or colouring them. In some cases textile treatment processes are uncontrolled, and are unmanageable in others.

These technical regulations specify the related requirements for the protection of the environment and the health of the consumer against risks from chemicals used in textile products (including their additives) when they are in direct contact with the skin or close to it, as specified in the international regulations on chemicals and recommendations in force in this area. They explain risks of chemicals intended for use in the manufacture of textiles, clothing, upholsteries and furnishing. These chemicals are classified in the regulations using the following descriptive words:

Carcinogenic or toxic chemicals for genetic mutation in reproduction "CMR" Fixed or accumulated highly toxic chemicals "vPvB and PBT" Chemicals with serious permanent effects on humans or the environment

The special requirements of protecting the environment and the consumer's health from the danger of chemicals used in textile products, make it mandatory to perform laboratory tests on textile products in order to determine the quantities of chemicals in each of the materials.

The Characteristic (SASO-GSO-1956), related to the harmful materials used in textile industry, is used. These materials are listed below:

FormaldehydeWhy is it a dangerous material?Formaldehyde is a carcinogen for humans, and can also cause skin and nose irritation as well as eyes allergy.When present, skin irritation is usually observed with workers in the treatment section and in the ready-made garment sector.The allowable level of formaldehyde in woven products on the market must be in a range of less than 20 (ppm) in children's products (this is the amount usually described in laboratory report)

Table No.2: the allowed amounts of formaldehyde in textile productsItem For children With direct skin contact With no direct skin

contact / decoration material

formaldehyde less than 20 (ppm) 75 (ppm) 300 (ppm)

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Formaldehyde must be detected according to the reference method specified in the characteristics SASO-ISO 14184-2 and SASO-ISO 14184-1.

Penta and Quatra "chloro phenol, (PCP, TeCP and OPP)Why is it dangerous?Chloro phenol is classified in the group of potential human carcinogens. The exposure to it is also associated with cases of kidney cancer and neurological effects.

Short-term exposure to large amounts of Chloro phenols can have adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, blood, lungs, nervous system, immune system and digestive system.

Contact with penta and quatra "chloro phenol" (especially in the form of vapour) may cause irritation of the skin, eyes and mouth(PCP) (No, -5-86-87 CAS) should not be added or used as a material or an ingredient of the materials used in textile products.

Table No.3: the permitted phenol amounts in textile productsItem(PPM)

For children With direct skin contact With no direct skin contact / decoration material

penta chloro phenol 0.05 0.5 0.5tetra chloro phenol (TeCP)

0.05 0.5 0.5

ortho phenol (OPP) 0.5 1.0 1.0

So far, there is no special international and no European method to measure quatro and penta chloro phenol in textiles. There are some local norms, e.g. the French specifications (XP G08-015), or the Italian (UNI 11057).

If the textile products include leather parts, the characteristic SASO-ISO 17070 must be used to analyse the leather parts.

Heavy metalsWhy are they dangerous?The toxic effects of heavy metals on human health and the environment have become obvious.Heavy metals accumulate in the internal organs such as the liver or kidneys.

Health effects can be very critical in case they have a cumulative effect; impact on health can be serious, e.g. such as on the respiratory system, lung diseases, heart failure, blood, blood-producing organs, and skin diseases. Thus, these heavy metals may be of a great danger on children's health.

Heavy metals are incorporated into textiles during the process of dyeing and manufacturing; they are part of the components of dyes and colouring materials.

Heavy metals that are often referred to in technical regulations and related specifications are: Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu), Total Chromium, (Chromium (Cr) VI), Cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni)

The quantification of heavy metals in textiles should be considered along two lines:

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The first, is if the product leaks material in contact with human skin,And the second, if the product may leak substances reaching the human stomach by ingestion

As a result, a quantification methodology must be followed for heavy metals that can be extracted from a product using an extraction solution. The testing method involves extracting the sample, then quantification. The choice of the extraction solution depends on the purpose of the test, e.g.:

- HCl solution to simulate ingestion.- Artificial sweat solution to simulate wearing.- Synthetic saliva solution to simulate breastfeeding / sucking

This methodology is explained in the relevant characteristics: EN 16711-1, EN 16711-2, DIN 54233-4, EN 1811, DIN 54233-2, EN 71-3.As for leather parts, parts 1-2-3-4 of the relevant characteristic SASO-ISO-5398 are used.

Table No.4: permitted amounts of heavy metals in textilesHeavy Metal(PPM)

For children With direct skin contact With no direct skin contact / decoration material

Antimony (Sb) 30 30 30Arsenic (As) 032 1.0 1.0Lead (Pb) 0.2 1.0 1.0Cadmium (Cd) 0.1 0.1 0.1Chromium (Cr) 1.0 2.0 2.0Chromium 6 (Cr) less than a detected

level of 0.5less than a detected level of 0.5

less than a detected level of 0.5

Cobalt (Co) 1.0 4.0 4.0Copper (Cu) 25 50 50Mercury (Hg) 0.02 0.02 0.02Nickel (Ni) 1.0 4.0 4.0

Dyes and derivatives that are suspected of being hazardousThere are many dyes used to colour different types of fabric fibres, some have been found to be the cause or are suspected to be the cause of health problems

Based on the recommendations of international regulations on chemicals, their assessment, authorisation and limitation, and with the aim of preserving the safety and health of consumers and the environment, these regulations concern all textile products presented in the Kingdom's markets with special requirements when using these suspected dyes.

1. "Carcinogenic amines" found in "Azo" dyesAromatic amines listed in the characteristic (SASO-GSO-1956) related to harmful materials used in textile industry are not to be found. They are listed in annex 8 of these regulations for textiles and leather that may be in direct contact with human skin or prone to be used while breast feeding and to be swallowed especially by children,

Dyes that may include one or more aromatic amines in levels which could be detected, meaning with levels higher than 30mg/kg, may not be used in the products or in the dyes associated with them.

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2. Carcinogens suspected to be or proved to be toxic for reproductionSome dyes have been identified as being able to pose a risk to human health for being carcinogenic and toxic for reproduction. Annex (IX) includes two lists of suspicious dyes, based on European ecological criteria for textile products.

Textile products should not contain dyes classified as carcinogenic or toxic for reproduction. Tests are carried out according to the specifications SASO-ISO 16373-3 and SASO-ISO 16373-2, on the condition that they meet a maximum limit of 20 ppm. This amount can be justified as being inevitable, from the technical point of view of good manufacturing practices.

Flame retardantsFor addition of flame-retardants in textiles and woven products must comply with specific standards. Textiles can be processed using flame-retardant additives (active materials), or materials that can be integrated in the fibres during spinning (additives), but some of the materials used as flame retardant present a danger for human health or the environment.

It is appropriate that textile products do not contain the following banned additives: Polybromobiphenyls (PBB) Tris (2,3 dibromopropyl) phosphate (TRIS) Tris (aziridinyl) phosphinoxide

The recommended method for extracting flame-retardants is to use an appropriate solvent and to analyse them chromatically (chromatography).It is also recommended to use the specifications: SASO-ISO 17881-1 and SASO-ISO 17881-2

Pesticides, herbicides and fungicidesPesticides, herbicides and fungicides are used in planting cotton or on wool, in order to avoid undesirable insects, plants and mould.As these pesticides have a high volatility and are soluble in water, their traces are rarely found in textilesThe total content of the following listed substances in the following table shall not exceed 0.5 ppm.

Table No.5: ingredients of banned pesticides in textile productsNo. Compound No. Compound1 2, 4, 5 – t 27 Endosulfan2 2, 4 d 28 Esfenvalerate3 Azinphos methyl 29 Fenvalerate4 Azinphos-ethyl 30 Heptachlor 5 Aldrin 31 Heptachlor epoxide6 Bromophos-ethyl 32 Hexachlorobenzene7 Capatfol 33 Hexachlorocyclohexane (Alpha)8 Carbaryl 34 Hexachlorocyclohexane (Beta)9 Chlorodane 35 Hexachlorocyclohexane (Delta)10 Chlordimeform 36 Lindane11 Chlorfenvinphos 37 Malathion12 Silafluofen 38 MCB I13 Cyfluthrin 39 MCB B14 Cypermethin 40 Micprobe15 Deltamethrin 41 Methamidophos16 DDD 42 Methoxychlor

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17 DDE 43 Mirex18 DDT 44 Monocrotophos19 Diazinon 45 Parathion20 Dichloroprobe 46 Parathion-methyl21 Dicrotophos 47 Phosydrine22 Dieldrin 48 Propetamphos23 Dimethoate 49 Prophonophos24 Dinoseb and salts 50 Quinalphos25 Endosulfan(β-isomer) 51 Toxaphene 26 Inderene 52 Trifluralin 

Chlorinated organic compounds (chlorinated benzenes, toluenes and naphtalenes)Why are they dangerous?Chlorinated organic solvents can affect the nervous system and are irritating to skin and mucous membranes.The compounds, especially those containing chlorobenzene and chlorotoluene, are problematic for human health (they are toxic and can cause liver and kidney damage and irritate the eyes and the respiratory system), or for the environment because they are carcinogenic, and many chlorinated organic solvents are dangerous to the environment.

Organic chlorine compounds are used as solvents when dyeing fibres (polyester); in textile, leather and thin fabric printing. They are also used as agents to give some specific properties in the silk textile industry.

Criteria for granting the environmental label for textile products require that textiles do not contain any of the organic chlorine compounds.The minimum acceptable level is: 1 mg / kg using the German standard DIN 54232

PhthalatesWhy are they dangerous?There are proofs that some phthalates inhibit the endocrine system, as many phthalate compounds reduce the number of spermatozoids and disturb the reproductive system of laboratory animals, also some studies link phthalates to liver cancer.

Phthalates are phthalic acid esters, mainly used in plastics, and added to textiles to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability and resistance.Concentration levels of (DNOP, DIDP, DINP, BBP, DEHP, DBP), greater than 0.1 % by weight should not be used as materials or components in mixtures of plastic materials prepared for textile processing.

(DBP) = Dibutyl phthalate (CAS nº 84-74-2) (DEHP) = Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (CAS nº 117-81-7) (BBP) = Benzylbutyl phthalate (CAS nº 85-68-7) (DIDP) = Diisobutyl phthalate (CAS nº 26761-40-0 & 68515-49-1)(DINP) = Di-isononyl phthalate (CAS nº 28553-12-0 & 68515-48-0) (DNOP) = Di-n-octyl phthalate (CAS nº 117-84-0)

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If the textile consists of a number of fibres, it is recommended to evaluate the "phthalate" content in the part treated with plastic materials. The test shall be made according to the Standard characteristic SASO-ISO 14389

Organic tin compounds (Organotin compounds)Why are they dangerous?It was found that the use of organic tin compounds in consumer products poses a danger on human health and for children in particular. Risks include liver and kidney damage, disturbance in the biochemical processes, including an imbalance of enzymes system in the blood.

Organic tin compounds are used in the textile industry to prevent bacteria and foul smell in socks, shoes and sportswear caused by sweat deterioration. It is also used in a wide range of textile products such as sanitary napkins, diapers, tents, carpets and synthetic garments.

Organic tin compounds should not be used in textile products or parts of textile products, if they are in quantities greater that the equivalent of 0.1 % weight of tin.

Table No.2: permitted amounts of Organotin compounds in textilesItem(PPM)

For children With direct skin contact With no direct skin contact / decoration material

(TBT)tributyltin

less than 0.5 1.0 1.0

(DBT) dibutyltin 1.0 1.0 1.0

According to the standard characteristic SASO-ISO 17353, they can be extracted from the textile in an ultrasound bath of ethanol and sodium with 5 % of glacial acetic acid (diethyldithiocarbamate).

3 cosmetic products associated with textilesRecently, new products have appeared in the markets. They are a mixture of cosmetic products and textiles, for example:- Weight loss products: pantyhose, underwear and trousers;- Moisturising products: pantyhose, underwear and t-shirts;- Refreshing products: Home fabrics (mattresses and blankets).

In conformity with global laws and regulations, related to the textile and spinning industry, cosmetic textile products (cosmetotextiles) must, as closely as possible, comply with the criteria related to safe technologies program, in the preparation of cosmetic products, as specified in Characteristic SASO-ISO 22716

The requirements of cosmetic textile products are based on the main frames of textile reference used in textile industry, such as the European "ECULABIL" product for textiles or other special names.

The quality of these fabrics requires a lot of caution regarding setting up and controlling treatment processes and is achieved through good control over the following:• Colour stability in water• Colour stability under rubbing• Colour resistance to sweat• Colour stability during domestic and commercial washing• Colour stability during dry cleaning

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In regard of the environmental impact of textiles, it should be kept in mind that, eventually, textiles can contribute negatively to the environment, but effects can remain under control by using additives within the allowable amount.

Article (6) Conformity assessment procedure

The supplier, who is responsible to put the product in the market shall obtain a certificate of conformity issued by a notified body according to the following product types:

Type 3 for children's products and underwear Type A1 for textile products other than children's products and underwear

Based on what has been declared about the characteristic features of the textile product, the specification requirements and the relevant standards must be met.

The approved body must implement the conformity assessment procedures, according to the specifications, in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of these regulations, the relevant Saudi standards and environmental requirements set out in these regulations.

The following technical documentations shall be provided with the textile products:

Conformity statement of the supplier (manufacturer / importer) in accordance with Annex 12 of these regulations. Product Safety Test report

The supplier shall cooperate with the Regulatory Bodies and with Market Surveillance Authorities. For example, providing the technical documentation, test reports and any other documented information proving fulfilment of the requirement of these regulations, as needed.

A product with the Saudi Quality Mark or equivalent shall be treated as meeting the requirements stipulated in these regulations.

A product with the Saudi environment mark or equivalent shall be treated as meeting the health and safety requirements stipulated in these regulations.

A product with a mark of social responsibility or equivalent in terms of sustainable development, granted from an accredited organisation in KSA, shall be treated as meeting the requirements stipulated in these regulations.

A product with the Saudi Eco-Label or equivalent, granted from an accredited organisation in KSA, shall be treated as complying with the requirements stipulated in these regulations.

Article (7): Responsibilities of Supervisory Authorities (Ports – Factories)As part of its field of competence and powers, the regulatory authorities shall: Verify that products meet the specific conformity assessment procedures and the technical documentation attached to the consignment. Withdraw random samples from the product and then refer them to the relevant laboratories to verify their conformity with the requirements in these regulations. Importers are charged for the costs of testing and related matters.

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Withdraw the relevant products from warehouses if they are found not to conform with the assessment procedures, and take formal action in its right.

Article 8 - Responsibilities of Market Surveillance AuthoritiesAs part of its field of competence and powers, Market Surveillance Authorities shall: Check the adequacy of the product characteristics on a sufficient scale and with appropriate speed by examining the documentation Inspect and test samples in sufficient quantities when necessary Apply market surveillance procedures on products which are on the market, as well as products stored in merchants and manufacturers warehouses, check products safety and ascertain they meet the basic requirements as set out in these regulations and in related standard characteristics.

Take samples of the product, whether from the market or suppliers’ warehouses (manufacturers and importers), in order to conduct the necessary tests and to ascertain to what extent they conform to the requirements stipulated in these regulations. When a product on the market is found not to conform to the requirements of these regulations, the Market Surveillance Authorities shall take all administrative procedures to withdraw and recall the product in question, and shall apply procedures and penalties referred to in the following article, after taking all necessary measures.

Article 9 - Violations and PenaltiesIt is prohibited to manufacture, import, develop and display or even to advertise textile products that do not conform to the terms of these regulations.

Failure of a product to comply with the requirements of these regulations shall be considered sufficient cause for the Market Surveillance Authorities and the regulatory authorities, to judge that the product does not conform to the regulations and may constitute a danger for the health and safety of consumers and for the environment. As in the following cases:- Absence of labelling or incorrect fixing of labels required for textile products- Lack of or incomplete labels, or safety and use guidelines.- Lack of or incorrect fixing of conformity marks or Saudi trademarks or equivalent.- Failure to obtain the conformity certificate or the supplier's statement of conformity, or have them issued in an inappropriate manner.- Lack of or incomplete technical documentation on request.

In the event of any violation of the provisions of these regulations, the Market Surveillance Authorities shall, as the case may be, take all the necessary measures to remove the violation and its effects from the market. This authority may:Assign the violating party - responsible for placing and presenting the infringing product - to withdraw the product from warehouses or the market, to mend the violation - if possible, to re-export it, or to destroy it (depending on the nature of the product), within the time limit set by the Market Surveillance Authorities.

Withdraw, hold or destroy products, or take any other recall action from the markets.The Market Surveillance Authorities - as the case may be – have the right to recall the product from the market, and charge the violator with all the related costs.

When a violation of a textile product with a prior certificate of conformity is established, the Authority shall take the action necessary to cancel the relevant certificate of conformity and to take the necessary measures with the accredited body issuing the certificate.

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Any person who violates the provisions of these regulations shall be subject to the penalties stipulated in the applicable regulations in the Kingdom.

Article 10 - General ProvisionsThe annexes attached to these regulations, including the terms and definitions set forth in the Standard Specifications, are an integral part of their provisions, and the Authoritative Body may amend any of these annexes as may be required.

These regulations shall not prevent the supplier from complying with all other rules / regulations in force in the Kingdom, related to product handling, transportation and storage, as well as rules / regulations related to the environment, security and safety.

All suppliers of textile products subject to the provisions of these regulations shall submit to inspectors (supervisors) of the Regulatory Authorities and Market Surveillance Authorities, all the facilitations and information they require for carrying out the tasks assigned to them

If any situation arises that cannot be dealt with under the provisions of these regulations, or if any dispute arises because of their application, it shall be submitted to the relevant Committee of the Authoritative Body to issue the appropriate decision required by the situation or dispute, to the profit of public interest.

Article 11 - Transitional provisionsThe supplier shall correct his situation in accordance with the provisions of these regulations, within a period not exceeding (six months) from the date of publishing them.

Considering the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article, products that do not meet the requirements set forth within these regulations, shall be allowed to be traded for a period not exceeding one year from the date of their publication.

These regulations shall, after adoption, cancel all previous technical regulations within the scope of these regulations.

Article (12) Publication

This regulation shall be published in the Official Gazette.

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