Limit values and banned usage
of individual substances or groups
of substances for textile floor coverings
On this page you can find more information about the limit values and banned use of certain substances and groups of substances in the manufacture of textile floor coverings.
Consumer safety & environmental protection
By using both traditional methods of chemical analysis and quicker more modern tests, both the raw materials and the textile floor covering itself can be checked for a wide range of harmful substances. These include heavy metals, plasticisers, biocides, pesticides, POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) and the REACH SVHCs. For the substances or groups of substances listed, the GUT system either sets limit values or defines bans on use. These measures have been taken not only with a view to consumer safety, but also to avoid negative effects on the environment. The following information is for individual pollutant classes and the assigned limit values.
Dyestuffs and dyeing auxiliaries (1 of 7)
Azo-Dyes (5.2.1)
Of the approximately 4,000 dyes listed in the Colour Index, about half are Azo dyes and therefore represent the most important and common group of dyestuffs. Azo dyes are produced using carcinogenic amines, and unfortunately there are some still commercially available today. This means that after absorption into the body, the Azo compounds can remain in the metabolism and then form the corresponding aromatic amines from which they were synthesised. Intestinal bacteria and certain enzymes in the liver are capable of causing this process. Under GUT, there is a published list of prohibited Azo dyes.
| Tab. 5.2.1: Azo dyes & aromatic amines | ||
| Substance a) | CAS-No.: | GUT ban on use |
| 2-Methyl-5-nitroaniline a) | 99-55-8 | ⃠ |
| 2-Naphthylamine a) | 91-59-8 | ⃠ |
| 2,4-Diaminoanisol a) | 615-05-4 | ⃠ |
| 2,4-Diaminotoluene a) | 95-80-7 | ⃠ |
| 2,4,5-Trimethylaniline a) | 137-17-7 | ⃠ |
| 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine a) | 91-94-1 | ⃠ |
| 3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine a) | 119-90-4 | ⃠ |
| 3,3'-Dimethylbenzidine a) | 119-93-7 | ⃠ |
| 4-Aminoazobenzene a) | 60-09-3 | ⃠ |
| 4-Aminobiphenyl a) | 92-67-1 | ⃠ |
| 4-Chloro-2-methylaniline a) | 95-69-2 | ⃠ |
| 4-Chloroaniline a) | 106-47-8 | ⃠ |
| 4,4'-Diaminodiphenylmethane a) | 101-77-9 | ⃠ |
| 4,4'-Methylene-bis-(2-chloraniline) a) | 101-14-4 | ⃠ |
| 4,4'-Oxydianiline a) | 101-80-4 | ⃠ |
| 4,4'-Thiodianiline a) | 139-65-1 | ⃠ |
| 4,4’-Methylene-bis-(2-methylaniline) a) | 838-88-0 | ⃠ |
| Benzidine a) | 92-87-5 | ⃠ |
| o-Aminoazotoluene a) | 97-56-3 | ⃠ |
| o-Anisidine a) | 90-04-0 | ⃠ |
| o-Toluidine a) | 95-53-4 | ⃠ |
| p-Cresidine a) | 120-71-8 | ⃠ |
| Navy Blue 018112 b) | (EC-No.: 405-665-4) | ⃠ |
| Aniline (cleavable) c) | 62-53-3 | ⃠ |
| 2,4-Xylidine c) | 95-68-1 | ⃠ |
| 2,6-Xylidine c) | 87-62-7 | ⃠ |
| 2-Naphthylammonium Acetate c) | 553-00-4 | ⃠ |
| 2,4-Diaminoanisole Sulfate c) | 39156-41-7 | ⃠ |
| 2,4,5-Trimethylaniline Hydrochloride c) | 21436-97-5 | ⃠ |
| 4-Chloro-o-toluidine Hydrochloride c) | 3165-93-3 | ⃠ |
| Note: Ban on use does not apply to listed substances only, but is always based on current state of knowledge. a) Aromatic amines according to directive EC/61/2002 & REACH regulation EC/1907/2006 (Annex XVII, Nr. 43, App. 8) b) Restricted azo dye listed in REACH Annex XVII, Nr. 43, App. 9 c) Other arylamines, cleavable arylamines, amine salts | ||
Allergenic and carcinogenic dyes (5.2.2)
Dying Accelerators (5.2.3)
Heavy metals and plasticisers (2 of 7)
Heavy Metals (5.3)
Heavy metals occur naturally in various forms and play an important role in plants, animals and humans. A deficiency of essential heavy metals can certainly result in health issues. However, many heavy metals, such as lead or arsenic, can also cause severe poisoning if too much is ingested. In order to avoid environmental impacts created by certain heavy metals, various limit values have been defined in the GUT system. These relate either to the content of a heavy metal or to the release of the heavy metal under certain conditions. The following information gives an overview of current valid limit values
| Tab. 5.3: Schwermetalle / Heavy metals | |||
| Substanz Substance | Abkürzung Abbreviation | Grenzwert / Limit value nach Aufschluss / after digestion [mg/kg] | Grenzwert / Limit value nach Extraktion / after extraction (in the eluate) [mg/kg] |
| Blei / Lead | (Pb) | 50 | 0.2 |
| Chrom / Chromium | (Cr) | 50 | 1 |
| Chrom VI / Chromium VI | (Cr VI) | - | not identifiable |
| Cadmium | (Cd) | 40 | 0.1 |
| Quecksilber/ Mercury | (Hg) | 50 | not identifiable |
| Summe / Sum | (Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg) | 100 | - |
| Antimon / Antimony | (Sb) a) | 150 b) | 30 |
| Arsen / Arsenic | (As) | - | 0.2 |
| Nickel | (Ni) | - | 1 |
| Kupfer / Copper | (Cu) | - | 50 |
| Kobalt / Cobalt | (Co) | - | 1 |
| Note: - = no value available not identifiable = not allowed to be detected a) see also flame retardants b) 150 mg Sb per 1 kg polyester fiber. Antimony is used a catalysts for polyester synthesis | |||
Plasticisers (5.4)
Biocides, Pot Preservatives and pesticides (3 of 7)
Biocides (5.5.2)
In European legislation, biocides are defined as chemical substances or microorganisms intended to destroy, deter, render harmless or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means.
The regulation aims to improve the functioning of the biocidal products market in the EU, while ensuring a high level of protection for humans and the environment.
Within the GUT-system the following principles for the use of biocides apply:
- biocides have to be approved for use in the EU as
- Product Type 6: Preservatives for products during storage
- Product Type 11: Preservatives for liquid-cooling and processing systems
- Product Type 12: Slimicides
- for these approved biocides GUT content and/or elution thresholds for the final carpet apply (see list below)
- the active use or addition of biocides to textile floor coverings as finish or top treatment is prohibited
The exception is in the treatment of wool carpets with permethrin (see Wool Finish 5.10)
Consequently, an active biocidal, biostatic or fungicidal finish is not permissible. If a manufacturer offers textile floor coverings with and without biocidal finish, the GUT licence is only valid for the product without biocidal treatment.
Note:
The use of biocides especially during production and storage of raw materials can not completely be excluded, as the preservation of raw materials or the maintenance of production equipment is necessary to avoid biological contamination of the final product. This may lead to residues in the carpet. It is the aim to reduce the residual content of these preservatives to a level that does not cause harm to the user. Therefore, only biocides approved and listed in the Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012) will be accepted in this case.
Biocides that are known or suspected to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction are not allowed within the GUT-system, even when approved for use in the EU.
| Tab. 5.5.2: GUT- thresholds for biocides and in can-preservatives in carpets | |||
| Substanz Substance name | Abkürzung Abbreviation | CAS no. | GUT limit value [mg/kg carpet] |
| 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one | BIT | 2634-33-5 | <40 |
| 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one | MBIT | 2527-66-4 | <10 |
| 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one | MIT | 2682-20-4 | <10 |
| 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one | CIT | 26172-55-4 | <5 |
| 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one | OPP | 90-43-7 | <10 |
| 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one | BNPD | 52-51-7 | <10 |
| 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one | DBDCB | 35691-65-7 | <20 |
| 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one | IPBC | 55406-53-6 | <20 |
| Acrolein | - | 107-02-8 | n.d. |
| Chlorocresol | - | 59-50-7 | n.d. |
| Glutaral (Glutaraldehyde) | - | 111-30-8 | n.d. |
| Hydrogen peroxide | - | 7722-84-1 | n.d. |
| Peracetic acid | - | 79-21-0 | n.d. |
| N-(trichloromethylthio)phthalimide (Folpet) | - | 133-07-3 | ⃠ |
| N,N′-methylenebismorpholine (MBM) | - | 5625-90-1 | ⃠ |
| Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride | - | 27083-27-8 | ⃠ |
| Note: Ban on use does not apply to listed substances only, but is always based on current state of knowledge. n.d. = not detectable | |||
Tin-organic compounds (5.6)
Chlorophenol (PCP) (5.7)
Pesticides (5.8)
Formaldehyde and finishes for wool protection (4 of 7)
Formaldehyde (5.9)
Formaldehyde is present in a wide range of products, which means it can be easily released into the indoor air. Despite product improvements in recent decades, wood-based materials, floor coverings, furniture, and certain insulation materials (e.g. urea-formaldehyde in-situ foams) are still considered to be the main sources. Formaldehyde is also present in comparatively large quantities in tobacco smoke and candles, both of which can release it into the air. It may also be present in some disinfectants, cosmetics and textiles.
The use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals is prohibited within the GUT system.
The use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals is prohibited within the GUT system.
| Tab. 5.9: Formaldehyde & Formaldehyde releasing chemicals | ||
| Substanz Substance | CAS-No.: | GUT Verwendungsverbot ban on use |
| Formaldehyde | 50-00-0 | ⃠ |
| Formaldehyde releasing chemicals | -.- | ⃠ |
| Note: Ban on use does not apply to listed substances only, but is always based on current state of knowledge. -.- = more than one CAS-No. / substances group | ||
Wool Finish (5.10)
Flame retardants and PAH (5 of 7)
Flame retardants (5.11)
Flame retardants can be made of a variety of different organic or inorganic chemicals, and their use is determined by the specific product, its material composition and intended end-use. Typical products which need a flame retardant include electrical and electronic equipment, printed circuit boards, cables, carpet backings, speciality textiles, and insulating materials and foams.
Organic flame retardants are mainly brominated compounds, halogen- containing or halogen-free organophosphorus compounds, or chlorinated paraffins. The main inorganic flame retardants used are aluminium trihydroxide (ATH), magnesium dihydroxide or antimony trioxide (which acts a synergist for brominated flame retardants).
Within the private sector, over 73% of carpets do not require any additional flame retardants to comply with the declared fire protection rating. If they do use a fire retardant for whatever reason, then ATH is used. In the public sector, where higher safety requirements sometimes apply, around 54% of carpets contain additional flame retardants.
The GUT protocol does not allow the following chemicals to be used.
| Tab. 5.11: Flame retardants | |||
| Substanz Substance | Abkürzung Abbreviation | CAS-No.: | GUT Verwendungsverbot ban on use |
| Polybrominated biphenyls | PBBs a) | 59536-65-1 | ⃠ |
| Polybrominated biphenyl ethers | PBDEs b) | -.- | ⃠ |
| Hexabromocyclododecanes | HBCDDs c) | 25637-99-4 | ⃠ |
| Tris-(2,3-dibrompropyl)phosphate | TRIS | 126-72-7 | ⃠ |
| Tris-(aziridinyl)-phosphinoxide | TEPA | 545-55-1 | ⃠ |
| Chlorinated paraffins | CPs d) | -.- | ⃠ |
| Antimony trioxide | Sb2O3 | 1309-64-4 | ⃠ |
| Antimony pentoxide | Sb2O5 | 1314-60-9 | ⃠ |
| Tris-(2-chloroethyl)phosphate | TCEP | 115-96-8 | ⃠ |
| Trixylylphosphate | TXP | 25155-23-1 | ⃠ |
| Tris-(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate | TDCPP | 13674-87-8 | ⃠ |
| Tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate | TCPP | 13674-84-5 | ⃠ |
| Triphenyl phosphate | TPP | 115-86-6 | ⃠ |
| Boric acid | - | 10043-35-3 | ⃠ |
| Diboron trioxide | - | 1303-86-2 | ⃠ |
| Tetraboron disodium heptaoxide, hydrate | - | 12267-73-1 | ⃠ |
| Disodium tetraborate, anhydrous | - | 1330-43-4 | ⃠ |
| Orthoboric acid, sodium salt | - | 13840-56-7 | ⃠ |
| Disodium tetraborate decahydrate | - | 1303-96-4 | ⃠ |
| Disodium tetraborate Pentahydrate | - | 12179-04-3 | ⃠ |
| Disodium octaborate | - | 12008-41-2 | ⃠ |
| 2,2-Bis(bromomethyl)propane-1,3-diol | BBMP | 3296-90-0 | ⃠ |
| Bis-(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate | BIS | 5412-25-9 | ⃠ |
| Tetrabromobisphenol A | TBBPA | 79-94-7 | ⃠ |
| Tri-o-cresylphosphat | - | 78-30-8 | ⃠ |
| Note: Ban on use does not apply to listed substances only, but is always based on current state of knowledge. -.- = more than one CAS-No. / substances group a) PBBs = e.g. (Monobromodiphenyl (MBB), Dibromodiphenyl (diBB), Tribromodiphenyl (triBB), Tetrabromodiphenyl (tetraBB), Pentabromodiphenyl (pentaBB), Hexabromodiphenyl (hexaBB), Heptabromodiphenyl (heptaBB), Octabromodiphenyl (octaBB), Nonabromodiphenyl (nonaBB), Decabromodiphenyl (decaBB) b) PBDEs = e.g. Monobromodiphenyl ether (MBDE), Dibromodiphenyl ether (diBDE), Tribromodiphenyl ether (triBDE), Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (tetraBDE), Pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE), Hexabromodiphenyl ether (hexaBDE), Heptabromodiphenyl ether (heptaBDE), Octabromodiphenyl ether (octaBDE), Nonabromodiphenyl ether (nonaBDE), Decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) c) HBCDDs = α-Hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCDD), β-Hexabromocyclododecane (β-HBCDD), γ-Hexabromocyclo-dodecane (γ-HBCDD), Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) d) CCPs = Short chain chlorinated paraffins, C10-13 (SCCPs), Short chain chlorinated paraffins, C12-13 (SCCPs), Medium chain chlorinated paraffins, C14-17 (MCCPs) | |||
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) (5.12)
Perfluorinated substances (6 of 7)
Perfluorinated chemicals (5.14)
What all these substances have in common is that the carbon-hydrogen bond typical of organic compounds has been completely or at least partially replaced by a carbon-fluorine bond. This bond is extremely stable and gives the materials a high chemical and thermal resistance.
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are both industrial chemicals. Until 2006, for example, PFOS was used as the base for the production of dirt, grease, and water-repellent surface treatments of carpets, upholstery and cardboard and paper packaging. It was also used in fire extinguishers.
However, since 2006, the use of PFOS has been severely restricted in the EU, so that it can now only be used in a few specialist applications. Up until 2020, PFOA compounds, which are used to produce non-stick coatings pans and to make some clothing repellent to oil, dirt or water have been widely used.
However, from 2020, PFOA, or any of their salts and precursor compounds cannot be produced or placed on the market. Both substances (PFOS and PFOA) are chemically very stable, dissolve in both water and fat, and are therefore easily distributed in the environment and can equally easily enter the food chain.
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are both industrial chemicals. Until 2006, for example, PFOS was used as the base for the production of dirt, grease, and water-repellent surface treatments of carpets, upholstery and cardboard and paper packaging. It was also used in fire extinguishers.
However, since 2006, the use of PFOS has been severely restricted in the EU, so that it can now only be used in a few specialist applications. Up until 2020, PFOA compounds, which are used to produce non-stick coatings pans and to make some clothing repellent to oil, dirt or water have been widely used.
However, from 2020, PFOA, or any of their salts and precursor compounds cannot be produced or placed on the market. Both substances (PFOS and PFOA) are chemically very stable, dissolve in both water and fat, and are therefore easily distributed in the environment and can equally easily enter the food chain.
| Tab. 5.14: (Per-)fluorinated alkylated substances and their salts | |||
| Substanzen Substance | Abkürzungeen Abbreviation | CAS-No.: | GUT Verwendungsverbot ban on use |
| Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid | PFOS | 1763-23-1 | ban on use |
| Perfluorooctanesulfonamide | PFOSA | 754-91-6 | ban on use |
| Heptadecafluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride | PFOSF/POSF | 307-35-7 | ban on use |
| Heptadecafluoro-N-methyloctanesulphonamide | N-Me-FOSA | 31506-32-8 | ban on use |
| N-Ethylperfluorooctane-1-sulfonamide | N-Et-FOSA | 4151-50-2 | ban on use |
| Heptadecafluoro-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyloctanesulphonamide | N-Me-FOSE | 24448-09-7 | ban on use |
| N-Ethyl-N-2-hydroxyethyl perfluorooctansulfulfonamide | N-Et-FOSE | 1691-99-2 | ban on use |
| Perfluorooctanoic acid | PFOA | 335-67-1 | ban on use |
| Perfluoroheptanoic acid | PFHpA | 375-85-9 | ban on use |
| Perfluorononanoic acid | PFNA | 375-95-1 | ban on use |
| Perfluorodecanoic acid | PFDA | 335-76-2 | ban on use |
| Perfluoroundecanoic acid | PFUdA | 2058-94-8 | ban on use |
| Tricosafluorododecanoic acid | PFDoA | 307-55-1 | ban on use |
| Perfluorotridecanoic acid | PFTrDA | 72629-94-8 | ban on use |
| Perfluorotetradecanoic acid | PFTeDA | 376-06-7 | ban on use |
| Heptafluorobutyric acid | PFBA | 375-22-4 | ban on use |
| Perfluoropentanoic acid | PFPeA | 2706-90-3 | ban on use |
| Undecafluorohexanoic acid | PFHxA | 307-24-4 | ban on use |
| Perfluoro-3,7-dimethyloctanoic acid | PF-3,7-DMOA | 172155-07-6 | ban on use |
| Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid | PFBS | 375-73-5 | ban on use |
| Perfluorohexane-1-sulphonic acid | PFHxS | 355-46-4 | ban on use |
| Perfluoroheptane-1-sulphonic acid | PFHpS | 375-92-8 | ban on use |
| Henicosafluorodecanesulphonic acid | PFDS | 335-77-3 | ban on use |
| 7H-Dodecafluoroheptanoic acid | 7HPFHpA | 1546-95-8 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Perfluorodecanoic acid | 4HPFUnA | 34598-33-9 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid | 1,1,2,2-PFOS | 27619-97-2 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Perfluorohexan-1-ol | 4:2 FTOH | 2043-47-2 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Perfluoroctan-1-ol | 6:2 FTOH | 647-42-7 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Perfluordecan-1-ol | 8:2 FTOH | 678-39-7 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Perfluordodecan-1-ol | 10:2 FTOH | 865-86-1 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Perfluorooctyl acrylate | 6:2 FTA | 17527-29-6 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate | 8:2 FTA | 27905-45-9 | ban on use |
| 1,1,2,2-Tetrahydroperfluorododecyl acrylate | 10:2 FTA | 17741-60-5 | ban on use |
| Note: Ban on use does not apply to listed substances only, but is always based on current state of knowledge. | |||
Inorganic fibres, nitrosamines and other substances (7 of 7)
Inorganic fibres (5.13)
Asbestos is a collective term for various naturally occurring, fibrous crystallised silicate minerals (inorganic fibres) which, after processing, produce technically usable fibres of different lengths.
As these fibres break easily, the fragments are easily respirable due to the length/diameter ratio, and the inhaled fibres can cause lung cancer.
The use of asbestos fibres is prohibited in the GUT system
As these fibres break easily, the fragments are easily respirable due to the length/diameter ratio, and the inhaled fibres can cause lung cancer.
The use of asbestos fibres is prohibited in the GUT system
| Tab. 5.13: Inorganic fibres (asbestos) | ||
| Substance | CAS-No.: | GUT ban on use |
| Actinolite | 77536-66-4 | ban on use |
| Amosite | 12172-73-5 | ban on use |
| Anthrophyllite | 77536-67-5 | ban on use |
| Chrysotile | 12001-29-5 | ban on use |
| Crocidolite | 12001-28-4 | ban on use |
| Tremolite | 77536-68-6 | ban on use |
| Note: Ban on use does not apply to listed substances only, but is always based on current state of knowledge. | ||
Nitrosamines (5.15)
Other substances (5.16)