Understanding Antimicrobial Treated Textile Product Registration in Canada and the US

Antimicrobial technologies are utilized for a variety of purposes, including extending a consumer product’s durability, shelf-life or claimed public health benefits. In the textile industry, these are used to create a biologically active surface that improves freshness, supports hygiene and increases odor control.

Because these substances are often regulated, manufacturers and suppliers must ensure they understand the registration criteria employed in Canada and the United States of America.

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) regulates all products which are used, sold, or imported into Canada, and that are designed to manage, destroy, attract or repel pests. The applicable regulation refers to any product that has been intentionally treated with a pesticide as a ‘treated article’. Pesticides that have been intentionally incorporated into or applied to an article during manufacture for import, sale or use in Canada must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA).

Pesticides include:
• Antimicrobials - e.g. textile treated with a preservative
• Insecticides - e.g. insecticide-treated clothing
• Herbicides - e.g. herbicide-treated landscape fabric

Canadian pesticide registration involves the scientific evaluation of ingredients, extensive testing to determine the potential risks posed to human health and the environment, and the pesticide’s value (determined by assessing the product’s efficacy). Ordinarily, registration is granted for a period of 5 years, after which it must be renewed.

Pesticides must be safe if the directions on the label are followed correctly. This information reflects the scientific evaluation and offers guidance on how to further reduce potential risks to human health or the environment.

Only PMRA-registered pesticides can be used on treated articles distributed, imported, or manufactured in Canada – applicable whether label claims are made or not. Stakeholders should also be aware claims made about a treated article must be consistent with the approved label for that antimicrobial preservative. The label claims, along with the use and mode of action, that determine whether a product falls under the PCPA and requires registration.

In the United States of America, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulates antimicrobial clothing and household textiles. This states that any product designed to kill or repel bacteria or germs must be considered a pesticide and should be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before distribution or sale. FIFRA also forbids companies from making claims about the pesticidal abilities of the product unless it is EPA registered or has an exemption. If claims are made for an un-registered product, the EPA will begin proceedings against the company.

To register a pesticide with the EPA it must be tested to show that it does not pose an unreasonable risk when used correctly.

SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories specializing in softline testing. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to carry out a comprehensive range of physical, chemical and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance and compliance with international, industrial and regulatory standards worldwide. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services. [www.sgs.com/softlines]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Registration for Antimicrobial Treated Articles in Canada and United States SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2019/02/safeguards-02319-registration-for-antimicrobial-treated-articles-in-canada-and-united-states]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
Tel: +1 973 461 7919
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 97,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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This release was published on openPR.