Logo Dutch central governmentLogo Business.gov.nl, government information for entrepreneurs.MenuSearchSearch

Use of formaldehyde-based synthetic resins

This information is provided by:Netherlands Enterprise Agency, RVONetherlands Enterprise Agency, RVONederlandse versie

Do you use synthetic resin based on formaldehyde for clothing or other fabric that comes into contact with the skin, such as bed linen? Then you must adhere to the Dutch Formaldehyde in Textile Commodities Act (Warenwetbesluit formaldehyde in textiel).

Formaldehyde-based synthetic resins are used, for instance, to make cotton and viscose crease-resistant and to make wool shrink-resistant.

Requirements for using formaldehyde in clothing and other fabrics

The quantity of formaldehyde content in clothing is limited. After the product is first washed, there may be no more than 120 ppm (parts per million) formaldehyde left in the fabric. Is this limit exceeded before washing? You must print the warning ‘voor eerste gebruik wassen’ (‘wash before wearing’) on the product itself or on the product packaging.

Related articles

To top