AZO dyes are the name of the group of synthetic dyestuffs based on nitrogen that are often used in textile industry. Some AZO dye stuffs may separate under certain conditions to produce carcinogenic and allergenic aromatic amines.

 

The EU AZO Colorants Directive 2002/61/EC sets out that Azo dyes which may release one or more of the 22 aromatic amines (see table below) in detectable concentrations, above 30 ppm in the finished articles or in the dyed components may not be used in textile and leather articles which may come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin or oral cavity. The directive came into force in September 2003.

 

Since Annex XVII of REACH came into force in 2009, the AZO Directive 2002/61/EC has been replaced by REACH regulation. AZO dyes are put on REACH

 

Restriction List.

4-Aminobiphenyl	3,3’-Dimethylbenzidine
Benzidine	4’-Methylenedi-o-toluidine
4-Chloro-o-toluidine	p-Cresidine
2-Naphthylamine	4,4’-Methylene-bis-(2-chloro-aniline)
o-Amino-azotoluene	4,4’-Oxydianiline
5-Nitro-o-toluidine	4,4’-Thiodianiline
4-Chloroaniline	o-Toluidine
4-Methoxy-m-phenylenediamine	4-Methyl-m-phenylenediamine
4,4’-Methylenedianiline	2,4,5-Trimethylaniline
3,3’-Dichlorobenzidine	2-Methoxyaniline
3,3’-Dimethoxybenzidine	4-Amino-azobenzene

 

Our Textile Testing Services

Besides AZO dyes, textile and leather products might also contain other hazardous chemicals such as SVHC, DMF, Nickel release, PFOS and organotin compounds, etc. CIRS offers integrated testing solutions to the suppliers of textile and leather products to ensure product safety.