Overview
CEN 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 may be present in footwear and footwear components. The document describes each substance category, the potential risks (nocuousness), the types of materials where they may be found, and the state‑of‑the‑art test methods that can be used to quantify them. It is applicable to any kind of footwear and supersedes the 2012 edition.
Key Topics
- Scope, normative references and terms/definitions that underpin consistent interpretation.
- Section on presence of chemicals in footwear materials (how and where chemicals enter the supply chain).
- Detailed lists of critical substances (section 5), organized by substance group. Examples shown in the report include:
- Acrylonitrile, aromatic amines, benzene
- Alkylphenols & alkylphenol ethoxylates (NP, OP, NPEO, OPEO)
- Biocides (e.g., orthophenylphenol, TCMTB, OIT, CMK, triclosan)
- Bisphenols, formaldehyde, dimethylfumarate (DMFu)
- Chlorinated paraffins, chlorobenzenes, chromium (including Cr(VI))
- Disperse dyes, flame retardants, colophony, mercaptobenzothiazole, and heavy metals (Cd, etc.)
- For each entry: general description, potential health/environmental risks, and available test methods. The report notes that for some substances a validated test method is not yet available.
Practical Applications
- Useful for footwear manufacturers, component suppliers and material formulators to identify hazardous substances during product design and material selection.
- Guides testing laboratories and QA teams on relevant footwear component testing approaches and what analytes to prioritize.
- Supports regulatory compliance, procurement, retailers and brand compliance teams assessing chemical risk and supply‑chain conformity.
- Helps sustainability and EHS professionals evaluate consumer safety, worker exposure and environmental impacts associated with footwear chemicals.
Who Should Use This Standard
- Footwear designers, product safety managers, compliance officers, laboratory analysts, and regulators involved in chemical risk management for footwear and leather goods.
Related Standards / Notes
- The report is an information‑type document from ISO/TC 216 and CEN/TC 309; it does not set numerical limits but provides harmonized lists and references to test methods. Users should combine ISO/TR 16178:2021 with relevant regulatory limits and testing standards when implementing a compliance program.
Keywords: CEN ISO/TR 16178:2021, footwear chemical substances, critical substances in footwear, footwear component testing, chemical risk in footwear.
