Clothing: formaldehyde limits

Quite a number of countries have regulated the permissable level of formaldehyde in clothing. Here are current (2010) regulations in place:
 

USA

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) plans to investigate the use of formaldehyde in the manufacture of textiles and clothing to identify any risks to consumers. This report is due in January 2011.

European Union

Regulations in the EU limit formaldehyde in children’s clothing to 30 ppm.
 

Japan

Regulations in Japan make these limits on levels of formaldehyde:

     ► textiles for infants: must not be detectable (20 ppm)

     ► textiles in direct skin contact: 75 ppm

     ► clothing for children aged from birth to three years old: no detectable residue
 

France

Regulations in France make these limits on levels of formaldehyde:

     ► textiles in baby products intended to come in contact with skin: 20 ppm

     ► textiles in direct skin contact: 100 ppm

     ► textiles not in direct skin contact: 400ppm
 

China

Regulations in China make these limits on levels of formaldehyde:

     ► textiles for infants and babies: less than 20 ppm

     ► textiles in direct skin contact: less than 75 ppm

     ► textiles not in direct skin contact: less than 300 ppm
 

Finland and Norway

Regulations in Finland and Norway make these limits on levels of formaldehyde:

     ► textiles for babies under 10 years old: 30 ppm

     ► textiles in direct skin contact: 100 ppm 

     ► textiles not in direct skin contact: 300 ppm
 

Germany

In Germany, textiles that normally come in direct contact with the skin and release more than 1500 ppm formaldehyde must bear a label that states:

'Contains formaldehyde. Washing this garment is recommended prior to first time use in order to avoid irritation of the skin.'

Austria

In Austria, textiles that contain 1500 ppm or above have a label stating this.
 

Netherlands

The Netherlands has the following regulations for limits on formaldehyde in textiles that come in direct contact with the skin:

     ► any containing more than 120 ppm formaldehyde must be labelled 'Wash before first use'

     ► after washing, these products must not contain more than 120 ppm
 

New Zealand

New Zealand has the following non-regulatory policy on acceptable limits:

     ► clothes for babies and infants under two years old: no greater than 30 ppm or 30 mg/kg

     ► clothing specifically designed and marketed for children and adults with sensitive skin or to avoid any sensitive reaction with skin: no greater than 30 ppm

     ► clothing and textiles in direct contact with skin: no greater than 100 ppm or no greater than 100 ppm (100 mg/kg) after wash if there is a label or instruction recommending to wash before first use

     ► clothing and textiles not in direct contact with skin: no greater than 300 ppm.

 

Source: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission - Product Safety http://www.productsafety.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/975834