Commercial Information Circulars

Ref : EIC 230/4/1

31 May 2002

Dear Sirs,

Commercial Information Circular No. 109/02

European Union (EU)^* : Community Eco-label Award Scheme

Further to Commercial Information Circular No. 200/2001 of 29 December 2001,the European Commission (EC) has revised the product group definition and criteria for the award of the Community eco-label to textile products in order to reflect the developments in the market. Besides, the EC has modified the validity of the existing product group definition and eco-label criteria for textile products from 31 August 2003 to 31 May 2003. A copy of the Commission Decision (2002/371/EC) on these revisions is appended (pdf format) to this Circular for reference.

DETAILS

Revised Product Group Definition and Eco-label Criteria

2. The existing product group definition and eco-label criteria for textile products were first established in February 1999. The product group definition has been extended to cover textile accessories and fibres. The product group is now defined as -

- textile clothing and accessories^#: clothing and accessories (such as handkerchiefs, scarves, bags, shopping bags, rucksacks, belts, etc.) consisting of at least 90% by weight of textile fibres;

- interior textiles^#: textile products for interior use consisting of at least 90% by weight of textile fibres. Wall and floor coverings are excluded;

- fibres, yarn and fabric: intended for use in textile clothing and accessories or interior textiles.

3. The existing eco-label criteria has been revised, mainly related to the predetermined limits of residues of certain ecotoxic/toxic substances in the textile fibres; the restriction on/exclusion of the use of certain chemicals in the production processes; and the performance parameters on fitness for use such as dimensional changes during washing and drying, colour fastness to washing, etc. applicable to the dyed yarn, final fabric or final product.
   

4. The revised product group definition for textile products and its eco-label criteria will be valid for five years from 1 June 2002 until 31 May 2007.

Validity of the existing product group definition and eco-label criteria

5. Commercial Information Circular No. 200/2001 of 29 December 2001 announced that the EC has extended until 31 August 2003 the validity of the existing product group definition and eco-label criteria for textile products. With the adoption of the revised product group definition and eco-label criteria, the validity of the existing product group definition and eco-label criteria has been modified from 31 August 2003 to 31 May 2003.

Transitional Arrangements

6. Eco-label awarded to textile products before 1 June 2002 may continue to be used until 31 May 2003. For applications of eco-label for textile products made before 1 June 2002, eco-label may be awarded under the terms of the existing product group definition and eco-label criteria established in February 1999. For applications of eco-label for textile products made after 1 June 2002, they shall satisfy the revised product group definition and eco-label criteria.

ENQUIRIES

7. For enquiries about the contents of this Circular, please contact the undersigned at telephone number 2398 5684.

Yours faithfully,

(Miss Sandra SOU)

for Director-General of Trade and Industry

* : The EU Member States are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

# For 'textile clothing and accessories' and for 'interior textiles' : down, feathers, membranes and coatings need not be taken into account in the calculation of the percentage of textile fibres.

Note : While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, the Department cannot guarantee this to be so and will not be held liable for any reliance placed on the same.