Working together for safer colorants
ETAD is the only global association for manufacturers of dyes and organic pigments. We bring leading companies in the colorant industry together, so that they can engage directly with their peers on health and safety issues of strategic importance and strengthen their voice in shaping the future regulatory landscape.
About us
The Ecological and Toxicological Association of Dyes and Organic Pigments Manufacturers (ETAD) is the only independent international association for colorant-producing companies. For 50 years, we have been successfully supporting colorant manufacturers who care for the quality and safety of their products.
Our members, based in Europe, US and Asia, are among the leading manufacturers on the global colorant market.
Our Focus
Colorants are part of our daily life and are used in almost endless applications. Our goal is to be active wherever the safety of colorants is discussed, to provide our scientific know-how and even to create new one when necessary, so that any risk for customers as well as end users is minimized.
Dyes
The Dyes Operating Committee (DOC) addresses global dye issues related to regulatory developments, in particular considering their impact on the whole value chain.
Current projects
Pigments
The Pigment Operating Committee (POC) addresses developments relating to health and environmental issues concerning organic pigments worldwide.
Current projects
Regulatory Affairs
The Regulatory Affairs Committee (RAC) is ETAD’s monitoring committee for general and colorant-specific aspects of worldwide regulatory compliance, including REACH.
Current projects
Global Network
ETAD works in close collaboration with regulatory bodies, associations and other groups worldwide and is present through its regional committees.
Current projects
Benefits
Benefits for members
- Unique opportunity to discuss and solve common issues together
- Free access to our existing analytical methods
- Free access to our internal toxicological and ecotoxicological studies
- Guidance to worldwide regulation affecting colorants
Benefits for authorities
- Representation of the global colorant industry
- Professional support to national and international authorities on colorant-related regulations
- Scientific know-how on toxicological and environmental properties
- Development of analytical methods for regulatory purposes
Our members
Our members are international colorants manufacturers committed to improve constantly the quality and the safety of their products.
If you share this objective, you are welcome to join us!
Information & Intelligence
Here an update on general association themes and on our most recent activities on topics of relevant impact to the dyes and organic pigments industry.
Highlights and updates
ETAD Information Notice on false positives for aniline in dyes
ETAD just published a new Information Notice on recently identified false positives when aniline is determined in some specific dyes formulations. These false positives can affect the dyes certification according to certain standards, while they are actually...
Critical Analysis on Contact Allergies Risk from Clothing Textiles by German BfR
In a recently published scientific article, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) provided a critical analysis of the Annex XV dossier proposing a generic ban of skin sensitisers. Considering both existing and new data, the article underlines that the...
ETAD issues Quick Guidance on Substances of Concern
ETAD has issued a "Guidance on Substances of Concern (SoC) in the EU Regulatory Landscape" for its members. The guidance offers a practical overview of the current development of the SoC concept and of its relevance to the colourant industry, also including...
ETAD Information Notice on “High Degree of Purity” Requirement under (EU) 2025/351
ETAD has prepared a new ETAD Information Notice No. 2026/1 concerning Regulation (EU) 2025/351 and the implementation of the “High Degree of Purity” requirement. The Notice provides guidance to ETAD members on the application of this requirement and its implications...
Our committees
ETAD committees are formed in order to address developments worldwide relating to health and environment issues.
The committees combine a supervising role with an active participation to regulatory activities and also promote projects finalized to a better understanding of the ecological and toxicological properties of dye and organic pigments.
Committees
ETAD operating and regional committees
DOC
Dyes Operating Committee
POC
Pigments Operating Committee
RAC
Regulatory Affairs Committee
ETAD NA
ETAD North America
IOC
Indian Operating Committee
JOC
Japanese Operating Committee
TOC
Taiwan Operating Committee
ChOC
Chinese Operating Committee
Member Area
ETAD members find their resources and downloads in the Member Area: analytical methods, studies and internal documents.