ZDHC Expands Restricted Substances List to 16 New Chemicals
The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Foundation's version 4.0 update tightens limits on several chemicals and sets first PFAS contamination thresholds.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Chemistry
The ZDHC Foundation released version 4.0 of its Manufacturing Restricted Substances List, adding 16 substances including bisphenols, formaldehyde, and polychlorinated biphenyls. The update also lowers limits for several chemicals and sets contamination thresholds for PFAS, published alongside a PFAS position paper.
Why it matters
The update reflects new scientific developments and evolving industry needs, according to the organization. It establishes concrete limits for unintentional PFAS contamination in chemical formulations used across textile, leather, rubber, foam and adhesive supply chains.
Version 4.0 sets unintentional PFAS contamination limits of 25 µg/kg per individual PFAS, 250 µg/kg for the sum of PFAS and 50 mg/kg for total fluorine. Intentional addition of PFAS is not permitted in compliant formulations, though the extraction does not detail verification methods.
The players
ZDHC Foundation
The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals Foundation is an industry-led organization that sets chemical management standards for the apparel, footwear and textile supply chain.
The details
Version 4.0 also updates chemical restrictions, formulation limits, analytical methods and material-specific guidance for textiles, leather, rubber, foams and adhesives. Titanium dioxide was removed following changes to its regulatory classification, and tailored guidance was issued for suppliers, chemical formulators and testing organizations.
Timeline
• November 2, 2026: ZDHC releases MRSL version 4.0 and publishes its PFAS position paper alongside it.
The Big Picture
The MRSL is the reference framework that version 4.0 extends by adding substances and tightening limits. Its PFAS thresholds mark a shift from general restriction toward measurable contamination limits for suppliers across the chemical formulation chain.
Brands and suppliers using ZDHC-aligned formulations will need to test for the new limits, including the 25 µg/kg per-PFAS threshold. Consumers of textiles, leather goods and footwear may eventually see these standards reflected in the products they buy.
The takeaway
Manufacturers and formulators should review their chemical inputs against the updated MRSL limits, particularly for PFAS, bisphenols and formaldehyde. Early alignment can reduce compliance risk as the standard evolves.
Further reading
Explore more on Chemistry to see how chemical restriction standards like this one fit into broader research on persistent compounds.
