It was announced that the use of nickel, which causes allergy, was limited in the production of all metal accessories, buttons, zippers, rivets, jewelleries and watches by the Ministry of Customs and Trade. In a statement made by the Ministry of Customs and Trade, it was explained that the use of hazardous chemicals was limited in the production of textiles, stationery, and furniture as well as child care products for the first time in Turkey in 2011 and the relevant notification was updated in 2013.
With the notification published in Official Gazette on the 14th January, the use of nickel, which causes allergy, was limited in the production of all metal accessories, buttons, zippers, rivets, jewellery and watches. According to the statement, the use of chemical agent of cadmium, which has carcinogenic effects and causes disorders in liver and kidney functions in the same product groups, was also restricted.
Hazardous Chemicals to Health
After the statement of the Ministry of Customs and Trade, the chemicals used intensively in textile industry became focus of interest. According to the report, ‘ChemSec SIN List’, prepared by Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI), it was stated that approximately 2,400 chemicals are used in industry, 10 % of these chemicals causes disorders on human health and 5 % of these chemicals has negative effects on the environment. The report, in which the materials recorded within the scope of "REACH" are discussed, offers the chemicals used and comprehensively assessed in textile products. The report focused on azo dyes and odorizers used in the processing of leather products and it also allowed identifying a number of flame-retardant chemicals used in the sector on the basis of hazard classification. This study which also includes the possible risks in the textile sector has a great importance in terms of the textile industry.
What is 'REACH' ?
REACH includes such issues as recording, evaluating the chemicals and authorization and limitation about the chemicals. REACH aims to protect environment and human health at a high level by controlling the risks arising from the chemicals. In this context, the industry must collect the data providing safe use of chemicals. Providing regulations on chemicals and patent medicine, REACH includes the production of the relevant substances, sales on the market and the use of them in patent medicine or goods. The regulation includes special arrangements for chemicals with high risks. Manufacturers must control all the chemicals used for the product during the product lifecycle if they are in full compliance with laws.
Does Turkey Comply with REACH?
Since Turkey is not yet an EU member, REACH system does not have a direct effect in domestic production and the exports to non-EU countries. In other words, the enterprises engaged in production for third countries and domestic markets do not have to adapt to the conditions imposed by regulation. However, the manufacturers exporting to EU countries and the manufacturers using high-risk substances within the scope of Regulation have to record and notify the situation. In Turkey, the supervision and control of dangerous substances and patent medicine supplied to the market, which can cause adverse effects on human health and environment, are provided with a variety of regulations issued in 2008.
