The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has published Version 26 of its Restricted Substance List, broadening the scope of chemicals regulated in finished apparel, footwear, accessories and home textiles to reflect an evolving global safety landscape. The updated list, released on January 28, identifies more than 300 substances across 16 categories, underlining growing industry focus on reducing consumer exposure to hazardous chemicals and navigating stricter laws around the world.
Among the most prominently highlighted groups of chemicals in the new list are heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury, which have long been restricted due to toxicity concerns and now face expanded regulatory references across jurisdictions. Phthalates, common plasticizers once widely used in flexible components of PVC and other materials, are included with specific limits that align with tightened standards in major markets. Formaldehyde and its releasers, which regulators have targeted for potential carcinogenic and irritant effects in textiles and garments, remain key restricted substances in the list. Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also reinforced as a class of concern, following earlier editions’ move to address their persistence and health implications in treated fabrics and coatings. Aromatic amines from azo dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and selected solvent residues are among other categories regularly listed in the RSL and continue to attract attention from compliance teams.
Industry compliance officers say these named chemicals reflect the intersection of regulatory pressure and consumer demand for safer products. “Companies cannot afford to ignore these substances. Heavy metals and PFAS in particular are under intense global scrutiny,” said Emily Harris, a regulatory affairs consultant for textile manufacturers. Steve Lamar, president and chief executive officer of AAFA, added, “Our Version 26 RSL reflects the latest regulatory updates and industry best practices. Brands and suppliers can use it as a trusted tool to ensure consumer safety and maintain compliance worldwide.”
The Version 26 list also includes updated appendices on U.S. state reporting requirements, European reporting frameworks and labeling obligations, adding layers of procedural complexity for manufacturers and retailers. “It’s not just about identifying restricted chemicals anymore,” said Rajesh Patel, head of compliance at a global footwear brand. “Companies must also manage reporting, testing, and documentation across multiple jurisdictions, which makes a tool like the AAFA RSL essential for operations.”
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AAFA’s RSL Task Force, responsible for maintaining the list since its inception in 2007, annually reviews global regulatory developments to ensure the list reflects the most stringent controls worldwide. Compliance experts say the presence of substances such as phthalates, PFAS, heavy metals and formaldehyde in the list underscores regulators’ emphasis on chemicals associated with long‑term health or environmental risks.
The updated RSL was released ahead of AAFA’s Product Safety & Compliance Seminar, where industry leaders are expected to discuss these chemical trends and share best practices for integrating the new restrictions into quality assurance and testing protocols. Retailers and brands are being advised to download the Version 26 list in spreadsheet format to support internal due diligence and supply chain transparency.
