TUV Rheinland, which provides testing and certification services, is launching an initiative that will help textile and leather exporters in Ranipet and Karur test their products for “risk-possessing” substances banned in Europe.
Recently, the REACH legislation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances) came into effect in Europe. Under this, 53 chemical substances, including boric acid, potassium dichromate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and potassium chromate, have been identified as causing irrevocable damage, such as cancer and genetic mutation, in people and environment.
“There are over 1,500 leather and textile units in Ranipet and Karur and over 60 per cent of exports from here are to Europe. Major European buyers have started insisting that suppliers in India adhere to REACH legislation,” says Mr Shanmuga Sundaram, Country Head, Material Testing Laboratories, TUV Rheinland India & Project Director, REACH-INDIA Project. “Our initiative will help Indian exporters understand the legislation and also test their products for toxic substances.”
REACH inspectors have been appointed in the European Union bloc who are working with Customs and port authorities to ensure that banned substances do not enter their countries. Non-compliance of REACH legislation entails huge penalty and even imprisonment, says Mr Sundaram. “Recently, incense sticks from India were rejected by the French port authorities as they contained cancer-causing musk xylene.”
Starting this week, TUV Rheinland will work with 40 SME units from Ranipet and Karur and conduct testing of their products at its labs in Bangalore. TUV Rheinland may also advise the exporter on switching over to safe alternatives, if any risk-possessing chemical is detected. The company will also conduct factory inspections and audits from time to time, over a 20 month period.
The company plans to introduce REACH testing as a chargeable service later, says Mr Sundaram.
Prior to embarking on the initiative in Tamil Nadu, TUV Rheinland did random testing of products manufactured in India. The company found DEHP in home linen textiles and short-chain chlorinated paraffins in leather soles; both substances are carcinogenic.