Overview
EN ISO 16373-1:2015 - Textiles - Dyestuffs - Part 1: General principles of testing coloured textiles for dyestuff identification - is a CEN-adopted ISO standard that defines dye and pigment classes and describes general, qualitative procedures for identifying the class of colourants used in textile materials. This part establishes terminology, the relationship between dye types and fibre classes, and the laboratory framework for dyestuff identification while noting health and safety considerations for reagents and procedures.
Key topics
- Scope and definitions: clear definitions of colourant, dye and pigment and their relevance to textile fibres.
- Dye classification: listings and descriptions of major dye classes - acid dyes, metal-complex acid dyes (1:1, 1:2), azoic dyes, basic (cationic) dyes, mordant dyes, direct dyes, disperse dyes, reactive dyes (including anthraquinone reactives), sulfur dyes, and VAT dyes.
- Complementary chemical classification: e.g., azo dyes.
- Laboratory essentials: recommended reagents, apparatus, conditioning/testing atmosphere and test specimen preparation (references ISO 3696 for water quality and ISO 5089 for sample prep).
- Procedures (examples): practical qualitative tests such as pigment identification, finishing removal, extraction tests, ash test, and specific workflows for groups like metal-complex and disperse dyes.
- Reporting and annexes: requirements for testing reports and informative annexes - Annex A (explanatory table of colourants by textile material) and Annex B (comparison of recovery rates between ISO 16373-2 and ISO 16373-3).
Applications
- Textile testing laboratories performing identification of colourants prior to quantitative analysis or regulatory screening.
- Quality control in textile manufacturing to verify dye type compatibility with fibres and processes.
- Regulatory compliance and consumer safety screening for allergenic or carcinogenic dyestuffs prior to release or import/export.
- Forensic and product investigation where identifying dye classes is needed for traceability or dispute resolution.
- Supply-chain verification for brands and certification bodies assessing dye classes used in finished textiles.
Who should use it
- Textile chemists, laboratory managers, QA/QC personnel, test-house analysts, regulatory bodies and auditors involved in textile safety, compliance and material characterization.
Related standards
- ISO 16373-2 - general method for determination of extractable dyestuffs (pyridine–water extraction).
- ISO 16373-3 - method for certain carcinogenic dyestuffs (triethylamine–methanol extraction).
Note: Part 1 is qualitative and intended to be used with Parts 2 and 3 where quantitative extraction and determination are required.
Keywords: EN ISO 16373-1:2015, textiles dyestuffs, dyestuff identification, dye classes, textile testing, pyridine-water, triethylamine-methanol, extractable dyestuffs.