Overview
EN ISO 16373-2:2014 (ISO 16373-2:2014) specifies a general laboratory method for detecting and quantifying extractable dyestuffs from textiles - including allergenic and carcinogenic dyestuffs - using a pyridine/water (1:1) extraction. The method applies to all fibre types and a broad range of dyestuff classes. Extracts are analysed by liquid chromatography with diode array detection (LC/DAD) and/or liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The standard is published by ISO and adopted by CEN as EN ISO 16373-2:2014.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Extraction of dyestuffs from textile specimens using pyridine/water (1:1); lists of analytes (allergenic and carcinogenic dyestuffs) are provided in Annexes A and B and can be expanded.
- Extraction conditions: Pyridine/water at 100 °C is used for extraction (see standard for exact procedure).
- Analytical techniques: Identification and quantification by LC/DAD and/or LC/MS; calibration and calculation procedures are specified.
- Reagents and apparatus: Analytical-grade pyridine, acetonitrile, ammonium acetate, tetrabutylammonium dihydrogen phosphate, deionized water (ISO 3696), glass vials, controlled heating source, analytical balance, autosampler vials.
- Safety: Explicit warnings about handling allergenic and carcinogenic dyestuffs; follow national health and safety regulations and good laboratory practice (use MSDS, PPE, proper disposal).
- Reporting: Instructions for calculation, expression of results and test reporting; normative annexes include dyestuff lists and calculation examples, and informative annexes cover method reliability and multiple-extraction data.
Practical applications
- Regulatory compliance: Screening textiles and textile products for extractable substances that may pose health risks (allergens or carcinogens) to meet national and EU chemical safety and labelling requirements.
- Quality control: Routine laboratory testing during production, pre-shipment inspections, or supplier verification to detect undesirable dyestuffs.
- Product safety assessment: Risk evaluation for consumer garments, upholstery, and other textile goods where skin contact or prolonged exposure is expected.
- Forensic and investigative testing: Identifying dyestuffs involved in product non-compliance, complaints or recalls.
Who should use this standard
- Textile and apparel manufacturers
- Accredited testing laboratories and contract analytical services
- Regulatory authorities and market surveillance bodies
- Product safety and compliance teams in retail and import/export companies
- R&D and quality assurance groups working on dye formulation and fastness testing
Related standards
- ISO 16373-1 - General principles for dyestuff testing (series overview)
- ISO 16373-3 - Method using triethylamine/methanol for certain extractable carcinogenic dyestuffs
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use (referenced for reagent quality)
Keywords: EN ISO 16373-2:2014, extractable dyestuffs, textiles, pyridine-water extraction, allergenic dyestuffs, carcinogenic dyestuffs, LC/DAD, LC/MS, textile testing, chemical safety.
