Australia's industrial chemicals regulator has recently identified potential health risks associated with certain disperse blue dyes used in textile manufacturing. Businesses involved in the sourcing, manufacture or supply of textile products should be aware of these findings and their implications. We’re sharing this information with members to ensure you are aware of these findings and have context to consider any potential implications for your business and supply chain.

What has been identified?
In December 2025, AICIS released an evaluation (EVA00166) of six disperse blue dyes used in textile fabric dyeing and printing inks: Disperse Blue 82, 96, 102, 106, 124 and 360. These dyes can be found in a broad range of products, including clothing, footwear, nappies, seatbelts and furniture made from synthetic fabrics or leather.

The evaluation found that health risks arise primarily through skin contact with dyed fabrics and garments. The most significant concern is skin sensitisation, with these dyes identified as extremely potent sensitisers based on both clinical and animal evidence. A well-documented link between exposure to these dyes and allergic contact dermatitis has been established, and Australian exposure has been confirmed through patch test studies identifying sensitisation to Disperse Blue 106 and 124.

A key challenge is that reactions can occur at concentrations well below the detection limits of standard textile testing methods. This means businesses cannot rely on compliance testing alone to manage risk, and no safe threshold has been established for these dyes in products worn or used in prolonged contact with the skin.

Beyond skin sensitisation, the evaluation also identified:

• Potential systemic health effects from repeated exposure, including impacts on blood and kidney function
• Possible damage to genetic material (genotoxicity), although some uncertainty remains about the full implications for human health
• Carcinogenic potential that cannot be ruled out based on the available evidence
• Gaps in the evidence base relating to inhalation exposure, reproductive health and foetal development

The Australian Context
None of these disperse blue dyes are currently restricted in Australia. Disperse Blue 360 is in active commercial use in textile printing inks, and products containing any of these dyes may continue to be imported and supplied to the Australian market.

Internationally, these chemicals are attracting increasing regulatory attention. Several are already included on European restricted substance lists, and further restrictions on Disperse Blue 102, 106 and 124 are proposed under the European Union's REACH Regulation.

AICIS has recommended that the ACCC consider options under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to address the risks these chemicals may pose in consumer goods. The AFC will keep members informed as the regulatory landscape evolves.

What does this mean for your business?
These obligations apply to every business in the supply chain: manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers.

• Ensure your products are safe
  Under the Australian Consumer Law, there is an automatic consumer guarantee that goods supplied to consumers must be of acceptable quality, including that they are safe.

• Ensure your product claims are accurate and substantiated
  You cannot make inaccurate or misleading claims about your products' safety, composition, testing or compliance whether through labelling, marketing or any other channel.

• Get your quality assurance processes in order
  The ACCC has been clear that businesses need robust quality assurance processes covering specifications, testing and supplier verification particularly where chemical inputs like dyes are introduced during overseas manufacturing.
• Know your recall obligations
  If a product is identified as unsafe due to the presence of these dyes, suppliers have a responsibility to remove the risk to public safety as quickly as possible by conducting a voluntary recall. Suppliers must tell the ACCC about the recall within 2 days of taking recall action through the online form here.

For More Information

• Read the full AICIS Evaluation Statement EVA00166 
• Report a product recall via the online form
• ACCC Product Safety recall guidance
• How to source and test products
• Developing a compliance program