WFSGI Publishes Guidelines on Restricted Substances

The World Federation for the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is the world authoritative body for the sporting goods industry and the 2005 WFSGI official international handbook, includes the organization’s guidance on restricted substances in sports footwear, apparel and accessories.

Restricted substances are substances that are either legally restricted through national/ EU regulations in order to protect human health, protect consumers and/ or protect the environment, or they are voluntary restrictions applied in the interest of best practices.
These restrictions may apply to the end products or the materials and components in those end products.

The sporting goods industry produces a vast array of products, which in turn contain numerous raw materials sourced from around the world. These materials come under increasing scrutiny by consumers, retailer, non-government organizations and consumer protection organizations. If a product is found to contain a restricted substance, it can lead to financial and legal complications for a sporting goods manufacturer, as well as seriously damaging its reputation.

The guidelines on restricted substances serve to aid designers, manufacturers and importers in identifying and understanding restricted substances issues, ensures compliance and encourages continuous improvement in environmental performance.

Legally restricted substances under the guidelines include:
1. Metals; cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and nickel release
2. Preservatives - biocides, pesticides and fungicides
3. Dyes
4. Plastics-plasticizers and softeners

Voluntarily restricted substances include antimony, cobalt, copper, chlorinated carriers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ozone depleting substances and organic solvents.

More information on the World Federation for the Sporting Goods Industry and the complete guidelines can be seen on the WFSGI website at www.wfsgi.org

LINK :
The World Federation for the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI)