Overview
ISO/TR 16178:2021 - Footwear - Critical substances potentially present in footwear and footwear components is a technical report that defines lists of critical chemical substances that can occur in footwear and footwear components. The document describes each substance or substance group, the potential risks of nocuousness, the materials where they may be present, and the test method(s) that can be used to quantify them. The test methods referenced reflect the state of the art; for some substances a validated test method is not available. This TR is applicable to any kind of footwear and footwear components (upper, lining, sole, adhesives, trims).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Comprehensive substance lists: includes classes and specific chemicals such as acrylonitrile, alkylphenols and ethoxylates, aromatic amines, benzene, biocides (e.g., OIT, triclosan), bisphenols, cadmium, chlorinated paraffins, chromium (including Cr VI), formaldehyde, heavy metals, DMFu, dispersive dyes, flame retardants, nitrosamines, organotin compounds, PAHs and more.
- Substance profiles: for each entry the TR provides:
- General description and where the chemical is used or can occur in footwear materials
- Potential health and environmental risks (nocuousness)
- Recommended or referenced test methods to detect or quantify the substance (where available)
- Material focus: guidance on which leather, textiles, polymers, adhesives, foams and coatings are likely to contain particular chemicals.
- Testing guidance: identification of state-of-the-art test methods and note when analytical methods are not yet established.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Footwear manufacturers and component suppliers: to define safe material specifications and supplier requirements.
- Product safety & compliance teams: for risk assessments, compliance with market regulations, and preparation for regulatory inspections.
- Testing laboratories: to prioritize analytes and select appropriate methods when analysing footwear samples.
- Procurement and supply-chain managers: to set chemical limits in contracts and to screen suppliers.
- Retailers and brand owners: for product safety assurance, sustainability reporting and market access.
- Regulators and standards developers: as reference material when drafting or harmonizing chemical restrictions for consumer products.
Related standards and regulatory context
ISO/TR 16178:2021 is intended to be used alongside other ISO testing standards for footwear materials and analytical chemistry methods, and in the context of regional chemical regulations and restrictions (for example, EU REACH or national consumer product safety rules). It serves as a practical reference for selecting target chemicals, understanding risks, and planning analytical testing.
Keywords: ISO/TR 16178:2021, footwear chemical substances, critical chemical substances in footwear, footwear safety testing, chemical risk in footwear, test methods for footwear.
Open preview (PDF)Footwear — Critical substances potentially present in footwear and footwear components — Lists of critical chemical substances
