TEXTILE PRODUCTS EXPORT AND SELL IN CHINA MARKET
ALL goods imported to China must be accompanied with Qualified Certificates, complying
GB 18401 for textile products and apparel and the specified product standards. The goods
without a Qualified Certificate and proper PASS test report(s) in meeting the requirement of
GB 18401 and the specified product standard or with an unsatisfactory test result(s) may
be rejected by customs authorities and/or held for further inspection which can lead to
delays and extra costs.
.
The Important Standards for China Market
1.
National General Safety Technical Code For Textile Products
GB 18401-2010
GB 18401 is a mandatory standard for apparel industry in China and standardizes general safety
technical requirements for textile products, testing methods, rules of inspection, and guide for
implementation and supervision.
GB 18401 is the most influential mandatory standard regarding textile products in China and other
requirements for textile products are subject to this standard. The standard contains the principal
requirements, test methods, and test rules for textile products in China’s market, and it is the basis
for China’s quality guidance and regulation. If products fail to meet the safety requirements they
are not allowed to be manufactured, sold or imported into China’s market. Therefore, the
importance of safety testing according to GB 18401 cannot be overlooked.
GB 18401-2003 was first published on Nov 27, 2003 and become effective on Jan 1, 2005 as the
benchmark for the Chinese government to monitor the quality and safety of the apparel goods.
However, GB18401-2003 is fading out and soon be superseded by GB18401-2010. The 2010 has
already officially announced by the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of
China to replace old standard.
GB 18401-2010 was published on Jan 14, 2011 and originally will become effective from Aug 1,
2011 onwards. However, on Jun 14, 2011, Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic
of China announced the extension on transition period of GB 18401-2010. The new effective date
will be Aug 1, 2012. After this date, any textile products do not comply with GB 18401-2010 is not
allowed to be produced, sold or imported in China. Timeline during the transition period as follows:
Until Jul 31, 2011, should base on GB 18401-2003
From Aug 1, 2011 to Jul 31, 2012, both 2003 and 2010 versions are allowed
Aug 1, 2012 onwards, must comply with GB 18401-2010
Below are the major changes in GB 18401- 2010 for your easy reference:
(i) Major Changes in GB 18401 (2003 vs 2010):
Main Change Item
Textile
Mainproducts
Change Item
for infants
PH value
in category B *
Textile
products
for infants
Remark added in
Chapter 5.1 Table 1*
pH value in category B
Azo dyes
Remark added in Chapter
Out of range products in
5.1
the standard
Table 1 Footnote (b)
GB 18401-2003
Age : ≤ 24 months
GB 18401-2003
Height: ≤ 80 cm
Age : ≤ 24 months
4.0-7.5
Height: ≤ 80 cm
Not applicable to discolored
product in washing
4.0-7.5
23 forbidden Azo dyes
i. Not applicable to discolored
10 items
product in washing
ii. Item 9: decorative hanging
cloth, artwork products and
small decorative items
GB 18401-2010
Age : ≤ 36 months
Height : ≤ 100 cm
4.0-8.5
i. Not applicable to bleached products like
traditional handcrafted products as well as tie
dyed or wax printed
ii. Item 9: fabric artwork products.
Azo dyes
23 forbidden Azo dyes
24 forbidden Azo dyes (added 4-Aminoazobenzene
in the list)
Out of range products in the
standard
10 items
13 items (added; sanitary products that are disposal
in one time use, umbrellas, footwear, suitcases,
backpacks, carpets)
Colorfastness to
Perspiration in
Chapter 5.2
Without direct contact with skin
should comply with
specification of Category C
Without direct contact with skin should comply with
specification of Category C.
Not required on drapery fabrics such as
curtains
Sampling
/
Newly added Appendix D
(ii) Classification of Textiles Products:
GB 18401-2010 establishes 3 classes of textile products:
Category
Examples of Application
A: Products for babies
(≤ 36 months or height ≤ 100cm);
Diapers, underwear, bibs, nightgowns, gloves, socks, outerwear, hats, bedding
items
B: Products with direct skin contact;
Brassieres, belly band, blouses, skirts, trousers, socks, bed sheets,
bedspreads, towels, swimwear, hats
C: Products without direct skin
contact;
Outerwear, skirts, trousers, curtains, bedspreads, textile wall fabric
(iii) Mandatory Tests and Requirements under GB 18401-2010
Areas which the mandatory tests must cover:
Formaldehyde Content
pH Value
Color Fastness to water, perspiration (acid & alkaline), rubbing
Color Fastness to saliva on baby products
Determination of odor
Azo dyes
The related requirements are summarized as below:
Testing Item
Formaldehyde content (mg/kg)
pH value
Testing Standard
Category A
Category B
Category C
≤ 20
≤ 75
≤ 300
GB/T 7573
4.0 - 7.5
4.0 - 8.5
4.0 - 9.0
GB/T 5713
≥3-4
≥3
≥3
GB/T 3922
≥3-4
≥3
≥3
GB/T 3922
≥3-4
≥3
≥3
GB/T 3920
≥4
≥3
≥3
GB/T 18886
≥4
/
/
GB/T 2912.1
a
b
Colorfastness /
Class
Water
(change or staining in color)
Acid perspiration
(change or staining in color)
Alkaline perspiration
(change or staining in color)
Dry rubbing
Saliva
(change or staining in color)
Determination of Odour
GB 18401, sec. 6.7
None
c
Azo dyes (mg/kg)
GB/T 17592.1
Forbidden (< 20)
Remarks:
a. For non final products subject to subsequent wet processing, the pH value tolerance extends to 4.5 - 10.5.
b. Not applicable for non final products, raw color and bleached products; tie dye, waxed traditional hand colored
products.
c. 24 restricted aromatic amines in the forbidden lists.
2.
Leather And Fur – Limit Of Harmful Matter GB 20400-2006
This is a mandatory standard for “Home Use” Leather and Fur products. Leather and Fur solely for
“Industrial Use” are excluded from this standard. It focuses on regulating the formaldehyde and azo
dyes limited for three different product categories (A, B and C).
(i) Classification of Textiles Products:
GB 20400 establishes 3 classes of textile products:
Category
A: Products for babies
(≤ 24 months)
B: Products with direct skin contact
C: Products without direct skin
contact
Examples of Application
Underwear, gloves, socks, outerwear, hats, bedding items
Underwear, gloves (without lining), socks, leather mat, close-fitting clothing
without lining
Leather clothing, trousers, skirts, tapestry, decorations
(ii) Mandatory Tests and Requirements under GB 20400-2006
Areas which the mandatory tests must cover:
Formaldehyde Content
Azo dyes
The related requirements are summarized as below:
Testing Item
Formaldehyde content (mg/kg)
Testing Standard
Category A
Category B
Category C
≤ 75
≤ 300
(Cut Hair
from White
Goat
≤ 600)
GB/T 19941
≤ 20
a
Azo dyes (mg/kg)
GB/T 19942
Remarks:
a. 23 restricted aromatic amines in the forbidden lists.
Forbidden (< 30)
3.
Instructions For Use Of Products Of Consumer Interest –
Instructions For Use Of Textiles And Apparel:
GB 5296.4-1998
According to GB 5296.4-1998 “Instruction for use of products of consumer interest – Instructions for
use of textiles and apparel”, all the Textile Products and Apparel sold in China are required to attach
a label indicating the instructions for use.
Key content of Instruction for Use (Textile & Apparel):
A. Name and address of manufacturer
The legally registered name and address of manufacturer of textiles or apparel should be marked. For
imported textiles and apparel, mark the place of origin (country or area), legally registered name & address in
China of the agent or importer or dealer with Chinese.
B. Product Name
Product name should express its actual attribute and be easily understood and according to the national or
industrial standards whenever possible.
C. Product specification and size designation – Permanent Label^
Product specification and size designation should be in accordance with relevant national or industrial
requirements. Size designation of the apparel should be in accordance with standard GB/T 1335.1～1335.3.
D. Component and content of material used (Fiber Content) – Permanent Label^
Mark component and content of the material used. Mark the textile fibre according to standard FZ/T 01053.
E. Care Instruction (Washing methods) – Permanent Label^
Mark the washing methods with symbols specified in standard GB/T 8685, and also with certain words to
easily explain these graphic symbols to the consumers.
F. Product standard code
Mark the code number of national, industry or enterprise standard being tested.
G. Product quality classification
Mark the quality classification based on requirement for relevant product standard.
H. Product quality certificate
Product quality certificate for each product (selling unit) manufactured in the domestic market is a
necessity for each product.
^ Permanent Label: A label permanently attached to the product and at appropriate location. Must
remain legible during the use life cycle of the product
4.
Textiles – Identification Of Fiber Content:
FZ/T 01053 – 2007
Textiles - Identification of fibre content and this standard stipulates the label
requirements of fibre content of textiles, marking principles, marking method,
tolerance and judgment of consistency of identification, and provides examples of fibre
content representation. This standard is applicable to textiles sold in China.
Key requirements (Details please refer to standards):
Each product should be attached fibre content label marking sub-fibre name and
content in each group of the products.
Each finished product should be attached permanent label of fibre content.
For products which are not suitable to attach permanent label or may be affected
products’ usage with permanent label (such as fabric, wool thread, sewing thread
and socks, etc.) can use hangtag or other forms of labels.
For products sold in boxes or bags and those are not suitable for permanent labels,
when each product has same fibre content, fibre content labels can be provided in
the form of selling unit.
5.
Product Standards
In addition to the mandatory safety standards (e.g. GB18401), there are specified product
standards to be complied. Product Standard implies the quality guarantee claimed on the label;
the different textile & apparel product standards for corresponding products are shown as below:
Chinese National General Safety Technical Textile and Apparel Test Standards*
Product Standard Number
Product Standard Name
GB/T 2660-2008
Shirts and blouses
GB/T 2662-2008
Cotton wadded clothes
GB/T 2664-2009
Men's suits and coats
GB/T 2665-2009
Women's suits and coats
GB/T 2666-2009
Trousers
GB/T 8878-2009
Cotton knitted underwear
GB/T14272-2002
Down garments
GB/T 18132-2008
Silk garments
GB/T 22796-2009
Quilt, Quilt cover
GB/T 22797-2009
Sheet
GB/T 22843-2009
Cushion and Pillow
GB/T 22849-2009
Knitted T-shirt
GB/T 22853-2009
Knitted sportswear
GB/T 22864-2009
Towel
FZ/T 43014-2008
Silk and filament yarn scarves
FZ/T 43015-2001
Silk knitting garments
FZ/T 43018-2007
Silk velvet blankets
FZ/T 61005-2006
Blanket
FZ/T 62010-2003
Matched bedding
FZ/T 62017-2009
Towelling gown
FZ/T 63005-1993
Blanket
FZ/T 73001-2008
Hosiery
FZ/T 73002-2006
Knitted caps
Chinese National General Safety Technical Textile and Apparel Test Standards*
Product Standard Number
Product Standard Name
FZ/T 73006-1995
Acrylic Knitted underwear
FZ/T 73009-2009
Cashmere knitting goods
FZ/T 73013–2004
Knitted swimming suits
FZ/T 73017-2008
Knitted homewear
FZ/T 73018-2002
Wool knitting goods
FZ/T 73020-2004
Knitted Casual Wear
FZ/T 73022-2004
Knitted thermal underwear
FZ/T 73025-2006
Knitted garment and adornment for infant
FZ/T 73026-2006
Knitted skirt suit
FZ/T 73029-2009
Knitted trousers
FZ/T 73030-2009
Knitted foot cover
FZ/T 73032-2009
Knitted jeanswear
FZ/T 81001-2007
Pajamas
FZ/T 81003-2003
Children’s clothing and student’s wear
FZ/T 81004-2003
Skirts and skirted suit
FZ/T 81006-2007
Jeanswear (Denim Garment)
FZ/T 81007-2003
Casual Wear
FZ/T 81008-2004
Jackets
FZ/T 81009-1994
Manmade fur garment
FZ/T 81010-2009
Windbreaker
FZ/T 81012-2006
Scarf and shawl
FZ/T 81014-2008
Infant’s wear
FZ/T 82002-2006
Woven caps
QB/T 1193-1196-1991
QB/T 1615-2006
Feather and down products
Leather garment
QB/T 2822-2006
Fur garment
* The table lists out some common Product Standard Number and Name only, please refer to
GB 18401 or China Product Standard for details.
How STR Can Help
With our state-of-the-art laboratories and experienced textile and footwear specialists, STR can
help you safeguard your products and comply with various safety and performance standards.
STR’s apparel and textile testing programs can help demonstrate your products meet the safety,
quality and legal requirements that regulators, consumers and the industry demand. With indepth knowledge of the standards impacting textile and apparel performance, construction,
composition, and the environment; STR’s international, multidisciplinary team of quality
assurance and testing personnel can help you evaluate a wide variety of apparel, consumer
fabrics, upholstery, and hosiery.
SERVICE CONTACTS
Hong Kong (China)
Ms. Janet Hung
Ms. Agnes Yan
Tel: (852) 2943 4630
Tel: (852) 2418 8017
E-mail: Janet.Hung@strhk.com
E-mail: Agnes.Yan@strhk.com
Address: 16/F Tower B, Regent Centre 63 , Wo Yi Hop Road, Kwai Chung, N.T., Hong Kong
Shanghai (China)
Ms. Sandy Cai
Ms. Maggie Hu
Tel: (86) 021 6855 5209
Tel: (86) 021 6855 6809
E-mail: Sandy.Cai@strsh.com
E-mail: Maggie.Hu@strsh.com
Address: 4/F Annex, Dragon Pearl Plaza 2123 Pudong Avenue, Shanghai
Shenzhen (China)
Mr. Kevin Xiong
Ms. Amanda Kong
Tel: (86) 0755 2674 3298
Tel: (86) 0755 2674 3742
E-mail: kevinxiong@strcn.com
E-mail: amandakong@strcn.com
Address: 3-4F Qinggyi Supermask Photoelectricity, Building No.8 Langshan 2nd Road, North HighTech Industrial Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen