Press Release: European Commission bans dangerous textile colourings to protect the aquatic environment

The European Commission adopted a new Directive on 7 January 2003 banning the marketing and use of a dangerous 'azo-dye', a chromate-based chemical used for colouring textiles. It has been found that this substance is dangerous for fish and other aquatic organisms. During the colouring process, releases into waste-water cannot be avoided, thus threatening the aquatic environment. The ban takes effect from 30 June 2004.