Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a globally recognized certification system for textile products that ensures they are free from harmful levels of more than 100 regulated and non-regulated substances. Administered by the International Oeko-Tex Association, this label provides a trusted safety benchmark for textiles at all stages of production, from raw materials to finished products.
Unlike vague sustainability claims, the Oeko-Tex label is based on laboratory-tested criteria and is updated annually in line with new scientific knowledge and regulatory changes. Whether you’re buying clothing, bedding, towels, or home textiles, the Standard 100 label assures that the item has been tested for substances that may pose risks to human health.
Why is this important? Because textiles come into close contact with our skin daily. Dyes, finishes, and manufacturing chemicals can linger in fabrics, and without testing, consumers may unknowingly expose themselves to allergens, carcinogens, or endocrine disruptors. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 serves as a visible guarantee of chemical safety, trusted by both consumers and manufacturers worldwide.
Key Criteria of Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Testing and Certification
Every certified item undergoes laboratory testing conducted by independent Oeko-Tex partner institutes. This includes testing of raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products at all processing levels, as well as accessory materials like buttons, zippers, threads, and labels.
Extensive Substance Screening
The standard covers over 1,000 regulated and non-regulated harmful substances, including carcinogenic dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The list is continuously updated in accordance with the latest scientific research and legal regulations like REACH and CPSIA.
Risk-Based Limit Values
Permissible substance levels are determined based on intended use and exposure risk, with the strictest limits for products in contact with infants’ skin. These limits often go beyond national and international requirements, ensuring proactive safety.
Product Class Differentiation
Products are categorized into four classes based on skin contact and usage type (e.g., babies, skin-contact clothing, non-skin-contact textiles, home décor), with each class subject to tailored limit values.
Certification Validity
Each Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certificate remains valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually through re-testing and compliance audits.
On-Label Transparency
Consumers can verify the authenticity and scope of a product’s certification by entering the test number on the official Oeko-Tex website or scanning the QR code found on the label.
Global Recognition
With wide adoption across 100+ countries, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is one of the most trusted labels worldwide for certified safe textiles, recognized by consumers, retailers, and regulators alike.
Understanding the Four Product Classes of Oeko-Tex STANDARD 100
When a textile product is certified under Oeko-Tex Standard 100, it isn’t judged in isolation. Instead, it’s categorized based on how the product will be used, especially in relation to human skin. This is where the concept of the four product classes comes in—each class defines a specific set of chemical safety thresholds, determined by the intensity and duration of skin contact.
Understanding these classes is essential for both manufacturers and consumers who want to make informed, safety-conscious decisions.
Product Class I: Textiles for Babies and Toddlers
This is the most stringent and sensitive category. Class I applies to all textile products intended for infants and young children up to 36 months of age. Because babies’ skin is highly absorbent and vulnerable to irritation, the allowed limits for harmful substances are the lowest among all classes.
Examples include:
- Baby bodysuits and onesies
- Cloth diapers and bibs
- Soft toys made of fabric
- Infant bedding and blankets
To earn Class I certification, every component including threads, zippers, buttons, labels, and even prints, must comply with the strictest thresholds. No exceptions.
Product Class II: Textiles with Direct Skin Contact
Class II includes textiles that come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin, but are intended for older children or adults. While still subject to rigorous testing, this class allows slightly higher levels of certain substances compared to Class I.
Common items certified under Class II:
- Underwear and lingerie
- T-shirts, leggings, and sleepwear
- Bed linens and pillowcases
- Everyday apparel that touches large areas of skin
The focus here is on safety during prolonged use, so materials are screened for allergens, carcinogens, and substances that may cause irritation or endocrine disruption.
Product Class III: Textiles Without Direct Skin Contact
Class III is designed for textiles that do not touch the skin directly or are only briefly in contact. This category includes outerwear and accessories where a lining or barrier separates the fabric from the body.
Typical products include:
- Jackets, coats, and outerwear
- Belts and bags
- Upholstered chair covers
- Lined curtains
Because the risk of skin exposure is lower, the permissible limits for chemical residues are more lenient but still tightly controlled. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 ensures that these items don’t off-gas harmful substances or contribute to indoor pollution.
Product Class IV: Decoration and Furnishing Materials
This category covers home textiles and other items that have no skin contact in normal use. While the exposure risk to humans is minimal, these products still undergo testing for volatile compounds and substances that might affect indoor air quality or environmental safety.
Products typically in Class IV:
- Tablecloths and drapes
- Wall hangings and tapestries
- Upholstery fabrics
- Decorative cushions
For businesses in interior design or furniture, obtaining Class IV certification ensures that their products meet modern consumer expectations for non-toxic living environments.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 stands as a symbol of trust, safety, and transparency. It provides a science-based, consumer-friendly assurance that textiles in contact with skin are free from harmful substances. Choose to certify your products with Oeko-Tex to ensure your textiles are safe, reliable, and trusted by consumers worldwide.
Partner with reputable testing providers like ECQA to verify your products, build consumer confidence, and stay ahead in a market that demands transparency and responsibility.
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