The GB 18401-2010 National Basic Safety Technical Code for Textile Products categorizes textiles into Class A, B, and C based on safety requirements, with distinct criteria for formaldehyde content, pH value, color fastness, and prohibited substances. Here are the key distinctions:
1. Scope of Application
- Category A (Infant Textiles):
- For infants and young children aged ≤36 months or ≤80cm in height.
- Products: Diapers, underwear, bibs, sleepwear, gloves, socks, outerwear, hats, bedding, etc.
- Labeling: Must explicitly state "Infant Use" on product instructions.
- Category B (Direct Skin Contact):
- Products directly contacting skin over most areas (e.g., underwear, shirts, dresses, trousers, socks, bed sheets, towels, swimwear).
- Category C (Non-Direct Skin Contact):
- Products with minimal or no skin contact (e.g., outerwear, curtains, bedspreads, wall coverings, fillings, linings).
- Exemption: Curtains and similar decorative items are exempt from perspiration fastness testing.
2. Core Safety Indicators
| Indicator | Category A | Category B | Category C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde Content (mg/kg) | ≤20 (strictest limit) | ≤75 | ≤300 (most lenient) |
| pH Value Range | 4.0–7.5 (matches infant skin) | 4.0–8.5 (adult skin range) | 4.0–9.0 (allows broader processing) |
| Color Fastness | ≥3-4 for water, perspiration, dry friction; saliva fastness required | ≥3 for water, perspiration, dry friction | ≥3 for water, perspiration, dry friction |
| Prohibited Substances | Banned: decomposable carcinogenic aromatic amine dyes, heavy metals (e.g., Pb ≤90 mg/kg), phthalates (plastic parts ≤0.1%), APEO | Same as Category A | Same as Category A |
3. Testing Requirements
- Category A:
- Tests: Formaldehyde, pH, color fastness (water, perspiration, dry/wet friction, saliva), odor, banned dyes.
- Additional: Heavy metals, phthalates, APEO, and rope/belt safety (e.g., no choking hazards).
- Category B:
- Same as Category A but excludes saliva fastness testing.
- Category C:
- Same as Category B but exempts perspiration fastness for curtains/decorative items.
4. Special Notes
- Age Clarification: Products for children ≤24 months or without explicit age limits are treated as Category A.
- Post-Processing: Products requiring wet treatments may relax pH limits to 4.0–10.5.
- Exemptions: Traditionally dyed items (e.g., tie-dye) or bleached products may waive some fastness tests.
5. Compliance & Labeling
- All products must meet their category’s safety standards to legally circulate in China.
- Labels must specify the safety category (A/B/C), with Category A requiring "Infant Use" labeling.
This classification ensures stringent protection for infants, moderate safety for direct-contact adult items, and baseline requirements for non-contact products.
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