Union to act on dye dangers

Date: 23/10/1997

By Mark Turner

THE European Commission is edging towards proposing an EU-wide ban on certain azo dyes used in textiles which are widely believed to be carcinogenic.

The move aims to answer complaints from retailers and wholesalers that they currently face 15 different azo-dye regimes - with varying levels of restriction in each member state - making Europe-wide business strategies difficult to devise.

“There is an internal market problem,” acknowledged a Commission source, who added: “The indications are that we will move towards a European measure against azo dyes.”

Although use of the dyes has declined significantly in Europe after suggestions that certain amines within specific types could cause cancer, azo dyestuffs are still an important element of textiles imported from developing Asia and elsewhere.

Goods using the dyes include clothing, bedding, bath towels, bracelets, sanitary towels and tampons. Although exact figures are unavailable, one analyst said: “Products using azo dyes could amount to quite a large volume in the region.”

Whether foreign exporters would criticise the move as protectionist, or welcome a level European playing-field, is still open to debate. Previous battles over EU anti-dumping duties on Asian textiles have proved highly contentious.

The Commission began consultations in spring to assess whether certain dyes were carcinogenic, as claimed, and to measure the impact of an EU-wide ban on European producers and foreign trade partners. Experts expect work on a draft directive to begin soon.

The Commission could adopt a proposal early next year but, given the time it would take to get through the Council of Ministers, it is unlikely a full ban would enter into force before 2000.

The move would please European trade bodies such as the Free Trade Association and EuroCommerce, which have called for an EU ban providing the Commission demonstrates “clear scientific proof that azo dyes seriously harm consumer health”, as well as textile producers Euratex.

EuroCommerce argues that “national bans distort competition between EU member countries, create barriers to the free movement of goods, establish national barriers to imports from third countries and threaten the export-oriented development of less developed countries”.