What does OEKO-TEX Standard 100 mean for zippers?

Q: What does OEKO-TEX Standard 100 mean for zippers?

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies that a finished article, including its zipper, has been tested for harmful substances and meets limit values set for the product class it belongs to. Class I covers articles for babies and toddlers and is the strictest; Class II covers items worn next to the skin; Class III covers outerwear; Class IV covers decoration and furnishing materials.

For a zipper, the certificate normally covers tape, sewing thread, teeth, slider and puller as a combined article. Tested parameters include formaldehyde, azo dyes, heavy metals, chlorinated phenols, phthalates and, where relevant, nickel release. A certificate is issued per article and per production site, with an expiry date, usually one year, and a number that can be verified with the issuing institute.

Ask for the certificate number and confirm that the article description matches what you are buying, because a certificate for a polyester coil does not automatically cover a metal chain from another line. If the supplier changes tape, dye or plating, the certificate should be re-issued or extended after testing.