Textile, Fashion & Accessories Standards (EN & ISO) are the fabric of a safe, sustainable, and transparent industry. From ensuring children’s clothing is free from cords that pose risks to verifying that dyes contain no harmful chemicals, these standards are essential for market access and consumer trust.
Quality, Safety & Sustainability
The fashion and textile industry is under immense pressure to become greener and safer. European Standards (EN) provide the methodologies to test for flammability, color fastness, and physical durability. Crucially, they also define the rules for eco-labeling and chemical safety (REACH compliance), which are mandatory for selling in the EU.
🧪 Chemical Safety
Ensure fabrics are free from harmful substances (azo dyes, formaldehyde) using EN ISO 14362.
🧵 Physical Testing
Verify durability, pilling resistance, and tensile strength with the EN ISO 12945 series.
👶 Child Safety
Prevent accidents by adhering to EN 14682 regarding cords and drawstrings in children’s wear.
Essential Standards for the Fashion Industry
To ensure your products are legal and high-quality, these are the critical standards:
| Standard | Title / Scope | Key Application |
|---|---|---|
| EN 14682 | Safety of Children’s Clothing | Cords and drawstrings (Mandatory). |
| EN ISO 3758 | Care Labeling Code | Standardized washing/drying symbols. |
| EN ISO 105 | Tests for Colour Fastness | Resistance to washing, light, and rubbing. |
| EN ISO 12947 | Abrasion Resistance (Martindale) | Durability of upholstery and apparel fabrics. |
| EN 1103 | Burning Behaviour – Fabrics | Flammability testing for apparel. |
| EN ISO 20471 | High Visibility Clothing | Safety requirements for professional workwear. |
Strategic Advantages of Compliance
Compliance is your ticket to the global market and a safeguard against recalls.
- Market Access: Without compliance to REACH (chemical safety) and EN 14682 (child safety), your products can be seized at the EU border.
- Consumer Trust: Proper care labeling (ISO 3758) reduces returns caused by laundry damage and builds brand reliability.
- Performance Claims: Validated testing for water resistance, breathability, or UV protection allows you to make substantiated marketing claims.
- Sustainability: New standards for recycled content and life cycle assessment help brands meet the EU Strategy for Sustainable Textiles.
📥 Access Official Textile Standards
Ensure your collections are safe and compliant. Download official EN & ISO documents directly from Genorma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EN 14682 mandatory?
Yes. The European Commission has harmonized EN 14682 under the General Product Safety Directive. Children’s clothing with non-compliant cords or drawstrings is considered a serious risk and will be recalled.
What is REACH compliance in textiles?
REACH is an EU regulation restricting hazardous chemicals. Textile standards like EN ISO 14362 (testing for azo dyes) and EN ISO 17234 (leather chemicals) are used to prove that products do not contain banned substances above legal limits.
How do I test for pilling?
Pilling (the formation of small fuzz balls) is tested using the Martindale method (EN ISO 12945-2) or the Pilling Box method (EN ISO 12945-1), which simulate normal wear and friction.
Explore Standards for Other Industries
Navigate to other key sectors to find relevant European and International standards.