Use of banned dyes may
jeopardise textile exports
KARACHI:
Exporters fear that the discrete use of restricted Azo dyes
in the textile and leather products could jeopardise the
improved prospects of textiles export to European Union
countries.
Azo dyes are often used in the colouring process of textiles
and leather but some have the capacity to release certain
aromatic amines which pose cancer risks. Dawn
Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association (PBEA) Chairman
Shabir Ahmed told on Tuesday that many members had
approached the association complaining about use of banned
Azo dyes by some textile processing mills.
“The association plans to form an inquiry committee to trace
out such ‘rough elements’ who are bent upon to damage the
country’s exports by using such globally restricted dyes
which are cheap in price but are hazardous for human life,”
he informed.
He further said that the EU and many other developed
countries have laid down legislation to prevent exposure to
these hazardous amines. “This implies that Azo dyes
releasing the aromatic amines can no longer be used to dye
textile and leather products that come into contact with the
skin,” he added.
“Undoubtedly it is a serious matter and we have to take
prompt action against such elements before it is traced out
by our foreign buyers which may result into irreparable
damage to the country’s exports,” he maintained.
Shabir said that the threshold limit for the prohibited
amines, allowed to be found in the article or in the dyed
parts thereof is 30ppm for each amine but some PBEA members
have complained that they have detected much higher ratio.
He also criticised the government for not taking any action
to curb such practices which may cause irreparable damage to
the textile exports.
The PBEA chairman said the blacklisting of fish processing
units in 2007 by the EU for having unhygienic conditions
resulting in total ban on fish exports damaging the
country’s interest.
Shabir Ahmed disclosed that his association had already
traced out a textile processing unit located in SITE
industrial area which is using the banned dyes harmful for
human health.
He urged the ministry of commerce to take action and also
blacklist those labs which are blindly issuing certificates
to such processing units using Azo dyes in textiles. He also
suggested that all such units should be sealed in order to
save the country’s external trade.
Courtesy: The DAWN