On 9 August 2016, the Official Journal of the European Union revised the standard as regards the ecological criteria for the award of the EU ecolabel for footwear by Decision (EU) 2016/1349, which replaced Decision 2009/563/EC.

The product group ‘footwear’ shall comprise all articles designed to protect or cover the foot, with an applied sole which comes into contact with the ground. Footwear may be composed of various natural and/or synthetic materials.

The product group shall not comprise following products:

(a) footwear containing any electric or electronic components;

(b) footwear that is disposed of after a single use;

(c) socks with an applied sole;

(d) toy footwear.

Pursuant to Decision (EU) 2016/1349, the requirements on hazardous substances:

1. The applicant shall provide a declaration of compliance supported, where appropriate, by declarations from the material supplier regarding the absence of SVHCs at concentrations greater than 0,10 % (weight by weight) for the final product, and any homogeneous materials or articles that form part of the product. Declarations shall be referenced to the latest version of the Candidate List published by ECHA.

2. The criterion shall apply when the content of any homogeneous material or article in shoe uppers or shoe outer soles is greater than 3,0 % (weight by weight) of either component. Carcinogens, skin sensitisers and acute toxicants for classification with the CLP hazards shall not be present in any homogeneous materials or articles that form part of the final product in concentrations higher than 0,10 % (weight by weight).

3. The final product, homogeneous materials or articles that form part of the final product, or production recipes used, as applicable, shall not contain substances specified under the Restricted Substances List (RSL).

4. Cardboard and paper used for the final packaging of footwear shall be made of 100 % recycled material. Plastic used for the final packaging of footwear shall be made of at least 80 % recycled material.

Decision 2016/1349 has been adopted by the European Commission on 5 August 2016. Businesses can apply for EU ecolabel in accordance with Decision 2016/1349 or Decision 2009/563/EC within two months since its adoption. However, it allows for a 12-month transitional period for products which have obtained ecolabels as per Decision 2009/563/EC. The ecolabels shall be valid for six years since the date of adoption.

C&K Testing advises businesses that EU ecolabels have some reference for the regulation of hazardous chemicals for footwear though it is a voluntary requirements. Undoubtedly, the conformity of the standard signifies higher quality and greater popularity.

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