Summary
The List by Inditex is a programme in which chemical products used in textile wet processes are tested by approved laboratories and classified, so that suppliers can choose cleaner formulations. It sits alongside Inditex’s Clear to Wear (product chemical limits), Green to Wear (environmental performance) and Safe to Wear (product safety) standards. The III Edition described here dates from 2019. Inditex updated its environmental requirements for suppliers in 2025, and revised Green to Wear requirements are reported to apply from July 2026 audits. On the regulatory side, the ZDHC MRSL Version 3.1 is the current list, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 introduced new rules on June 1, 2026, and the EU PFHxA restriction applies to clothing from October 10, 2026.
The List by Inditex is a chemical management programme run by the Inditex Group for textile supply chains. Chemical suppliers submit products for testing by approved laboratories, the results are classified, and suppliers can use the results to select formulations with a lower hazard profile for dyeing, printing and finishing. It supports the group’s Green to Wear environmental standard and its Clear to Wear product health standard. It does not replace legal compliance or the industry-wide ZDHC list.
The III Edition builds on earlier versions and takes account of the EU REACH Regulation (ECHA), the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100. Inditex has since updated its programme, so use the current documentation from Inditex and your brand contact.
What has changed in textile chemical rules in 2025 and 2026?
- ZDHC MRSL: Version 3.1 is the current list, and since November 1, 2023 the ZDHC Gateway accepts only formulations certified to it. The ZDHC Foundation has signalled a further version, so check the roadmaptozero site.
- Inditex: the group released updated environmental requirements for suppliers in 2025, with tighter criteria for chemical management, water use and decarbonisation, and revised Green to Wear requirements are reported to apply from July 2026 audits.
- OEKO-TEX: new STANDARD 100 criteria apply from June 1, 2026, tightening traceability and wet process requirements, after 2025 changes that included stricter bisphenol A limits.
- EU REACH: entry 72 of Annex XVII has restricted 33 carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances in clothing since November 1, 2020, and Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 restricts PFHxA in clothing, accessories and footwear from October 10, 2026 (25 ppb for PFHxA and its salts, 1,000 ppb for related substances), extending to other textiles, leather and furs from October 10, 2027. The wider EU PFAS restriction is still under evaluation, with a final opinion expected by the end of 2026.
- National rules: France has banned PFAS in clothing and footwear since January 1, 2026, Denmark’s restriction applies from July 1, 2026, and several US states, including Maine and Vermont, restrict PFAS in textiles from 2026.
Germany enforces REACH through the Chemikaliengesetz and the competent authorities, and the UK has its own UK REACH. Canada and the US regulate through the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and TSCA respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The List by Inditex?
A programme that classifies chemical products used in textile manufacturing based on laboratory testing, so suppliers can select safer formulations.
Is the ZDHC MRSL a legal requirement?
No. The ZDHC states that it is not a statement of legal requirements and does not replace law. It is an industry benchmark that brands require of suppliers.
Related Inditex standards: CTW Standard | GTW Standard | RTM Standard | Safe to Wear Standard | Inditex Code of Conduct
Further resources: ZDHC MRSL | EU REACH (ECHA) | Chemical Safety | What is Compliance?
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