Dangerous substances and preparations: azocolourants in textiles and leather (19th amend. Directive 76/769/EEC)

PURPOSE : to amend for the nineteenth Council Directive 76/769/EEC concerning the use of azocolourants with a view to protecting the public health and preserve the single market. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Directive 2002/61/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending for the nineteenth time Council Directive 76/769/EEC relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (azocolourants). CONTENT : in order to protect human health and also to preserve the single market, this Directive prohibits the use of dangerous azocolourants, and the placing on the market of some textiles and leather articles coloured with such substances. The Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE), after being consulted by the Commission, confirmed that cancer risks posed by textile and leather goods coloured by certain azodyes, give cause for concern. For textile articles made of recycled fibres, a maximum concentration of 70 ppm for the amines listed in point 43 in the appendix to Directive 76/769/EEC is applied. This shall be the case for a transitional period until 1 January 2005 if the amines are released by the residues deriving from the previous dyeing of the same fibres. This will allow for the recycling of textiles, which has overall benefits for the environment. Harmonised testing methods are also necessary for the application of this Directive. In the light of new scientific knowledge, testing methods should be reviewed. In addition, measures relating to certain azocolourants have been reviewed, in particular with regard to the need to include other materials not covered by this Directive, as well as other aromatic amines. Special attention should be paid to possible risks to children. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 11/09/2002. IMPLEMENTATION : 11/09/2003.�