A proposal by European Union officials to restrict nearly 300 substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) has been slammed by several NGOs. The European Commission had collaborated with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and EU member states to compile a list that it would use to enforce a possible ban on CMR substances in a range of consumer goods.

The EU proposed adding the list—spanning classified dyes and carcinogenic amines, petroleum and coal stream substances, and others—as a specific appendix to Reach, a European regulation concerning chemicals and their safe use. The commission is set to fast-track the restriction in textiles and apparel in two phases.

The first phase of the ban is limited to items containing at least 80 per cent of textile fibers by weight and which may come into direct contact with the skin. These items include apparel, footwear and bedding. Additional CMRs and consumer goods, including accessories, upholstery and floor coverings, will be considered in the second phase.

But several NGOs have criticized the idea for two reasons: there are too many materials under consideration for the proposed restriction to be fast-tracked; the scope of substances is not wide enough.