Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical substance that may remain in or migrate into textile products from resin finishing, adhesives, and similar sources, and that is subject to content restrictions and control requirements depending on the product.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Regulatory Position
Formaldehyde is a chemical substance that may be detected in relation to resin finishing for shape retention and shrink resistance in textiles, adhesives, packaging materials, and similar items. Formalin is the name for an aqueous solution of formaldehyde and, strictly speaking, is not the same substance name.
In Japan, the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances sets formaldehyde standards for textile products such as infant products and underwear. This is not a certification name, but a chemical substance regulation related to household products.
Applicable Items and the Basis for Standards
The regulatory classification differs between textile products used by infants and product groups that come into direct contact with the skin, such as underwear, nightwear, gloves, and socks. Products for infants require especially strict control, and even general clothing requires verification according to the intended use and customer requirements.
In formaldehyde control, not only the test value for the textile itself, but also the effect on the finished product, including interlining, lining, sewing thread, printing, labels, and bags, is considered. Since migration from other materials during storage can also occur, component materials and the logistics environment are managed separately.
- Whether it is for infants
- Whether the product comes into direct contact with the skin
- Whether non-textile accessory materials or packaging materials are used
- The standards and test methods required by the sales country or customer
Checks in Fabric Procurement and Product Development
When procuring textile materials, clearly communicate the intended use and confirm whether a formaldehyde test has been conducted, the applicable lot, test method, judgment standard, and test date. Expressions such as "low formaldehyde" alone may not be enough to determine suitability for the intended use.
In product planning, review the risk each time processing details change, or printing, fusible interlining, or accessories are added or changed. Especially for infant products, do not apply a certificate for the fabric roll to the finished product as is; if necessary, confirm the finished product or its component materials.
Notes on Labeling and Certificates
Separate from legal textile composition labels and care labels, formaldehyde test reports and certificates of conformity may be handled as transaction documents. In such documents, verify the correspondence with the ordered product by checking the requester, sample name, lot, target item, testing organization, and test results.
Test results are information about the sample and the time of testing. If the color, processing, factory, lot, or storage conditions change, carefully determine whether it is the same item. Also, care is needed to avoid advertising or labeling certification acquisition or being tested beyond the scope of legal compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do formaldehyde and formalin mean the same thing?
Formaldehyde is the name of the chemical substance, while formalin generally refers to its aqueous solution. In clothing, textile regulation, and testing, it is handled as formaldehyde. They may be used interchangeably in conversation, but in specifications and test documents, confirm the official name of the target substance.
If fabric has a test report, is confirmation of the finished product unnecessary?
Not necessarily. In the finished product, the effects of interlining, printing, labels, adhesives, packaging materials, and migration during storage must also be considered. Especially for infant products and underwear, determine whether finished-product verification is needed based on customer requirements and product composition.
Can certifications such as Oeko-Tex cover domestic regulations?
The scope of certification, product category, validity period, and applicable lot differ by system. Therefore, a certificate alone cannot be used to uniformly determine compliance with domestic laws and regulations or customer standards. Verification against the required product type, test items, and judgment criteria is necessary.
