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.

Dyes Operating Committee

The DOC addresses global dye issues related to regulatory developments, in particular considering their impact on the whole value chain. New and existing textile standards, as well as new information on dyes-related substances are also evaluated by the DOC, which decides on corresponding actions, whenever possible in direct contact with other involved parties.

Main functions of the DOC are:

  • Representation of member company interests on regulatory changes
  • Development of scientific data on possible health and environmental effects of dyes
  • Cooperation with authorities, brands/retailers, consumers associations and issuers of standards
  • Harmonization of regulatory require­ments worldwide which affect dyes

Pigment Operating Committee

The POC addresses developments relating to health and environmental issues concerning organic pigments worldwide, except for the U.S. The U.S. industry is represented by the Color Pigments Manufacturers Association, with which ETAD collaborates.

Main functions of the POC are:

  • Cooperation with responsible authorities on regulatory issues affecting pigments
  • Collaboration with non-regulatory bodies proposing ecological- and toxicological-based standards
  • Cooperation with other industry organizations on common issues
  • Publication of informative material on the safe use of pigments

Regulatory Affairs Committee

The RAC, composed of experts who are responsible within their companies for general and colorant-specific aspects of worldwide regulatory compliance, is ETAD‘s monitoring committee.
To the RAC’s most relevant topics belong REACH (including its non-EU versions), the different GHS implementations as well as existing/planned chemical inventories.

Key activities areas:

  • Monitoring and reporting on world-wide developments of chemical control regulations
  • Ensuring awareness of new regulatory requirements among member companies
  • Providing advice on interpretation of the regulatory requirements
  • Constant updating of the ETAD Guidance Document

ETAD North America

ETAD North America supports the efforts of the North American dye manufacturing industry as an authoritative source on properties of organic dyes for regulatory authorities, customers, and the public.

Key activity areas:

  • Input on draft regulations
  • Education in all phases of handling dyes
  • Collaboration with the US government on exposure reduction projects
  • Research and testing on the safety and biological behavior of dyes
  • Cooperative research with government, industry, and academia on environmental fate and impact of dyes
    Working together for safer colorants

Indian Operating Committee

The IOC focusses on collaboration with the government, particularly playing an active role in the development of policies and in colorant-related regulatory activities.
A specific aim of the IOC is to work for a general improvement of the environmental impact of Indian colorant industry.

Key activity areas:

  • Establish links with Indian national and regional authorities to be involved in the process of chemical legislation
  • Inform members about regulatory developments and organize coordinated response
  • Collaboration with national groups and associations
  • Assistance to member companies on product safety issues and regulations

Japanese Operating Committee

The JOC is ETAD’s link to all Japanese activities concerning colorants.
ETAD’s Japanese members discuss local developments, decide on common actions and updates the ETAD office in Basel accordingly, particularly on topics which will also affect non-Japanese members importing or manufacturing in Japan.

Key activity areas:

  • Addressing mainly organic pigments-related issues on ecology and toxicology arising in Japan
  • Following up Japanese legal & regulatory status/developments concerning ecology, health and safety
  • Keeping a close cooperation and communication with JDICA (Japan Dyestuff and Industrial Chemical Association)

Taiwanese Operating Committee

The committee focus on a close collaboration with local authorities and governmental bodies. In addition, the TOC will engage in policy and legislation-making processes that have a direct impact on the Taiwanese colorant industry.

Key activity areas:

  • Establish links with Taiwanese national authorities to be involved in the process of chemical legislation
  • Inform members about regulatory developments and organize coordinated response
  • Collaboration with the Taiwanese Dye and Pigment Manufacturers Association
  • Assistance to member companies on product safety issues and regulations

Chinese Operating Committee

The ChOC is a reference all member companies on colorant-related issues concerning ecology, health and safety arising in China. It focuses on a strong collaboration with national and regional authorities on all legislation developments affecting the colorant industry.

Key activity areas:

  • Establish a close collaboration with the China Dyestuff Industry Association (CDIA)
  • Regularly inform ETAD member companies on topics that will also affect non-Chinese members importing or manufacturing in China.
  • Cooperation with Chinese authorities on environmental fate and impact of colorants.