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Active chemical products (ACPs)

ACPs are modified polymers, preparations and chemical substances used in the textile industry. ACPs are either already integrated in fibre production or added during a later phase of textile manufacture. OEKO-TEX® differentiates mainly between biologically active substances / biocides and flame-retardant substances. Biologically active fibre materials can be part of odour-preventing or antimicrobial textiles. Clothing with a flame-retardant finish is used in fire service uniforms, for example.

  • The use of active chemical products (ACPs) is generally forbidden for textiles certified in accordance with OEKO-TEX®
  • Flame-retardant materials are an approved exception for which the use of ACPs is unavoidable
  • Only the ACPs tested and assessed as being harmless to human health may be used as certified in accordance with the OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certification
  • OEKO-TEX® reserves the right to remove ACPs from the list if new scientific findings should prove that health safety is no longer guaranteed

OEKO-TEX® only includes ACPs if they have been checked by accredited toxicologists and assessed as being harmless to human health. The safety assessments by the toxicology institute are based on the information and formulas from the manufacturer and are compliant with current European legislation. If new scientific findings come to light which question the safety of a substance with regard to health, OEKO-TEX® reserves the right to remove the ACP in question from the list.

Do you have questions about our certifications and services, the way we test, legal requirements and norms? Go to our FAQ page or contact us per email.

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  1. Application Submission: Fill out the application form and send it to us per email along with all relevant details.
  2. Initial Review: Upon receipt of your submission, we'll assess the provided information and reach out with further instructions, if necessary.
  3. Invoice Issuance: Once all necessary information is confirmed, we'll send you an invoice for processing.
  4. Expert Evaluation: Upon payment confirmation, we engage two independent toxicologists to evaluate the ACP's safety in accordance with OEKO-TEX® standards.
  5. Listing Confirmation: If both toxicologists deem the ACP safe for human health under correct application, it will be listed on the OEKO-TEX® homepage.
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