DGCCRF controls nano silver in textiles in France
The General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) has announced that it will conduct an investigation in 2021 into so-called “technical” textiles1Technical textiles: between innovation and overbidding, DGCCRF, 3 June 2022. Its conclusions highlight an overkill in the use of commercial claims (resistance, fireproof, anti-stain, anti-UV, etc.) and a tendency to exaggerate the real benefits provided by the products.
In particular, two of the six antibacterial or “anti-odor” products analyzed were treated with silver nanoparticles which are in the process of being classified because of their risks… and without this information being made available to consumers, which is contrary to what is required by the Biocide Regulation.
Following the DGCCRF’s investigation, the two operators marketing these two products withdrew them from the market.
No information was given on the precise brands and references of the said products.
To our knowledge, these are the first controls by the French public authorities on the presence of nanoparticles in textiles.
As for the controls of the [nano] labeling in cosmetics or food, France is a pioneer in this field compared to its European neighbors.
As a reminder, one of the first reports to alert on the subject was from Afsset (ancestor of Anses) which, in 2010, pointed out the absurdity of products such as socks with nano-silver with nanoparticles disappearing when washed (even though nanoparticles are known for their harmful effects on aquatic fauna)2Cf. Evaluation of the risks associated with nanomaterials for the general population and the environment, Afsset (now ANSES), March 2010.
Will other products be tested in 2022? In France as well as in other European countries?
To be continued…
Our latest news
Our information sheets to go further
Upcoming Nano Agenda
- Webinar presenting the example guide produced by NanoMesureFrance, to illustrate the difficulties encountered in dimensional analysis of particles by electron and atomic force microscopy.
- Organizers: Association NanoMesureFrance
- Speakers: Valérie Godefert & François-Xavier Ouf (LNE & NanoMesureFrance)
- Website: www.eventbrite.fr/…nanomesurefrance-webinar-…
- Advanced Characterization Techniques in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology
- 10th European Congress on Advanced Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials
- 14 and 15 April 2025
- Website: https://nanomaterialsconference.com
- 5th Joint Symposium on Nanotechnology
- Organizers: the Fraunhofer Nanotechnology Network, with the support of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
- Date: May 13-14, 2025
- Topics:
- the application of nanotechnology in various sectors, including digitalization, 2D/3D printing, carbon-based materials and battery materials
- nano on various regulations (REACh, food contact materials, cosmetics, bioagents, PPPs)
- adaptation and development of OECD Test Guidelines for nano and advanced materials (Malta Initiative)
- review on nano-specific NAMs (new approach methodologies)
- when you’re nano and you know it: dealing with uncertainty regarding the nanomaterial definition in regulatory frameworks
- …
- Website: www.isc.fraunhofer.de/…2025/5th-symposium-nanotechnology.html
Notes and references
- 1Technical textiles: between innovation and overbidding, DGCCRF, 3 June 2022
- 2Cf. Evaluation of the risks associated with nanomaterials for the general population and the environment, Afsset (now ANSES), March 2010