ISO 14362-1:2017

Overview - ISO 14362-1:2017 (Textiles, azo colourants, aromatic amines)

ISO 14362-1:2017 specifies a laboratory method for the detection of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colourants in coloured textiles. The method targets azo colourants that can release regulated, potentially carcinogenic aromatic amines by reductive cleavage and are either accessible to a reducing agent without extraction (e.g., pigments and many dye classes on cellulosic, protein and some synthetic fibres) or accessible only after extraction (disperse dyes on man‑made fibres).

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and materials: Applies to dyed, printed and coated textiles; relevant fibre types include cellulosic (cotton, viscose), protein (wool, silk) and man‑made fibres (polyester, polyamide, acetate, triacetate, acrylic, chlorofibre).
• Two main procedures:
  • Extraction method for disperse dyes: colorant extraction using xylene under reflux, concentration, then reductive cleavage.
  • Direct reduction method: treatment of textile specimens directly with reducing agent when colourants are accessible without extraction.
• Reductive cleavage conditions: reduction with sodium dithionite in a citrate‑buffered aqueous solution (pH 6) at 70 °C (as described in the standard).
• Aromatic amine transfer and cleanup: liquid–liquid extraction to t‑butyl methyl ether using diatomaceous earth columns (with an alternative extraction procedure in Annex E).
• Detection and confirmation: chromatographic analysis (see Annex A) for screening and quantification; positive findings require confirmation by one or more alternative methods. The standard includes calibration, internal standards, recovery checks and evaluation guidance.
• Target analytes: the standard lists the REACH‑proscribed aromatic amines (e.g., 4‑aminobiphenyl, benzidine, o‑toluidine, aniline indicators), with assessment guidance for false positives (Annex C).
• Health & safety: warns that listed amines are known or suspected carcinogens; standard provides safety precautions.

Practical applications and users

ISO 14362-1:2017 is used for:

• Regulatory compliance testing (e.g., REACH restricted amines).
• Product safety and quality control in textile manufacturing and finishing.
• Import/export compliance checks in customs and market surveillance.
• Third‑party textile testing laboratories, certification bodies and R&D groups investigating dye chemistry or contamination.

Typical users include textile testing laboratories, manufacturers, brand compliance teams, regulatory authorities and consultants focused on textile safety and chemical compliance.

Related standards and resources

• ISO 14362 series (other parts for further quantification/confirmation)
• ISO 14362-3 (used when aniline > 5 mg/kg to investigate 4‑aminoazobenzene)
• Annexes in ISO 14362-1 covering chromatographic analyses, reliability, pigments and alternative extraction methods

Keywords: ISO 14362-1:2017, azo colourants, aromatic amines, textiles testing, disperse dyes, sodium dithionite, xylene extraction, REACH compliance, chromatographic detection.