China, one of the main players in the global market, has always demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of its products, especially in a rapidly growing sector like footwear. In this regard, the country has recently introduced two new mandatory safety standards for footwear, imposing stricter regulations and requiring the attention of all market operators: GB 25038—2024 and GB 30585—2024.
What is the GB Standard?
“GB” stands for “National Standard” in China. These standards are developed by the Chinese government to regulate and standardize the quality and safety of products marketed in the country. Compliance with GB standards is mandatory for many products, especially those intended for mass consumption like footwear, to protect consumers’ health and ensure workplace safety.
GB 25038—2024: General Safety Requirements for Footwear
The GB 25038—2024 applies to all adult footwear and will come into force on June 1, 2025. This standard replaces GB 25038—2010 “Technical Specification for Health and Safety of Rubber Shoes,” incorporating the mandatory content of GB 21356—2008 “Athletic Shoes” and GB 25037—2010 “Industrial Rubber Boots.” It represents a significant update as it integrates and strengthens existing rules for specific categories of footwear, such as sports and industrial shoes.
The main updates introduced by this standard include:
Limitations on Hazardous Chemicals:
- Chromium VI: A chemical compound used in leather tanning, known for being highly toxic and carcinogenic. The new standard imposes strict limits to reduce exposure risk.
- Formaldehyde: Commonly used as a preservative in textiles and leather, formaldehyde can be irritating and, in the long term, potentially carcinogenic. GB 25038—2024 sets strict limits on formaldehyde concentrations in footwear.
- Banned Azo Dyes: Some azo dyes can release carcinogenic aromatic amines when in contact with skin. The new standard prohibits the use of these dyes in footwear.
Structural Safety: Specific measures have been introduced to prevent dangerous elements inside shoes that could cause injury to users.
Transition Period: Companies will have until December 1, 2026, to fully comply with the new requirements, benefiting from an 18-month transition period.
GB 30585—2024: Safety Technical Specifications for Infants’ and Children’s Footwear
The GB 30585—2024, which will become mandatory starting June 1, 2025, focuses on the safety of footwear for infants and children, significantly expanding the scope compared to the previous version from 2014. Footwear for infants and children produced after June 1, 2025, must comply with the new standard. Products manufactured or imported before June 1, 2025, will have a 12-month transition period and must comply with the new standard starting June 1, 2026.
Here are the main changes and improvements:
Expanded Scope: Now, all children’s footwear, including rubber products, are subject to strict safety controls, ensuring that even less conventional materials are safe for children.
Safety of Accessories: Footwear accessories, such as buckles and decorations, must be designed not to have sharp edges or points that could injure children, even if these accessories become detached or damaged.
Control of Hazardous Chemicals:
- Chlorinated Phenols: Restrictions have been introduced for the use of chlorinated phenols, chemicals used as preservatives that can be harmful to health.
- Heavy Metals: Stricter limits have been set for heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, known for their toxic and cumulative effects on the body.
- Phthalates: Used to soften plastics, some phthalates have been linked to endocrine and developmental disorders. The new standard sets strict limits on their content in children’s footwear.
- Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins: These chemicals, used as additives in plastic materials, are regulated to reduce the risk of environmental and human health damage.
Adapting to these new standards will be crucial for all companies operating in the footwear sector and aiming to maintain their presence in the Chinese market. Timely compliance with the new requirements provides companies with a competitive advantage and demonstrates a commitment to providing higher quality to customers.
If your company needs further information or support to align with these regulatory changes, our team is available to help you define the best strategy for market access and compliance in China.
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