Summary
The Inditex Restricted to Manufacture (RTM) standard sets which chemical substances suppliers may not use in manufacturing processes such as dyeing, printing and finishing for Inditex group brands. It differs from Clear to Wear (CTW), which sets chemical limits in finished products. The RTM relates to the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL), whose Version 3.1 is the current list, and Inditex updated its supplier environmental requirements in 2025. This post is based on the 2.0 version published in 2019, so check Inditex’s current documents before auditing. The earlier download link on this post pointed to a third-party Google Drive page and has been removed in favour of Inditex’s own site.
The Inditex Restricted to Manufacture (RTM) Standard defines which chemical substances are restricted or prohibited in the manufacturing processes of suppliers to the Inditex Group, whose brands include Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home.
Unlike the Clear to Wear (CTW) Standard, which restricts chemicals in finished products, the RTM addresses substances that may not be used during production, in dyeing, finishing, printing and other stages. It complements the Green to Wear (GTW) Standard for wider environmental performance.
How does the RTM relate to the ZDHC MRSL?
It follows the same logic. The ZDHC MRSL is the industry benchmark for chemicals that must not be intentionally used in textile, leather and footwear manufacturing. Version 3.1 is the current list, and since November 1, 2023 the ZDHC Gateway accepts only formulations certified to that version. The ZDHC states that the MRSL is not a statement of legal requirements. Compliance with brand standards is usually checked by supplier self-assessment, audits and laboratory testing, so keep chemical inventories and certificates current.
What else changed in 2025 and 2026?
- Inditex released updated environmental requirements for suppliers in 2025, tightening chemical management, water use and decarbonisation criteria, with revised Green to Wear requirements reported to apply from July 2026 audits.
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 applies new criteria from June 1, 2026.
- In the EU, the PFHxA restriction (Regulation (EU) 2024/2462) applies to clothing from October 10, 2026, and France has banned PFAS in clothing and footwear since January 1, 2026.
Legal compliance depends on where you sell. EU REACH and the CLP Regulation apply in the EU, with enforcement in Germany by the competent authorities under the Chemikaliengesetz, and the UK, US and Canada have their own chemical laws (UK REACH, TSCA and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act).
Get the current standard from Inditex’s sustainability pages or through your brand contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RTM and CTW?
RTM governs chemicals used in the manufacturing process. CTW sets limits for chemicals in finished products.
Does ZDHC compliance guarantee legal compliance?
No. The ZDHC MRSL does not replace legal requirements, so suppliers must meet the law of each market as well.
Related Inditex standards: CTW Standard | GTW Standard | Safe to Wear Standard | The List III Edition | Inditex Code of Conduct
Further resources: ZDHC MRSL | EU REACH (ECHA) | Chemical Safety Guide | What is Compliance?
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