Our expertise in REACH is beyond reach!

The SIC Notícias report “As Linhas Que Nos Cos(z)e(€)m” investigates how massive volumes of low-cost textiles, especially from China, are entering the EU through small e-commerce parcels. These often bypass customs checks and contain banned chemicals, breaching EU safety laws. The documentary highlights customs' limited inspection capacity, economic losses from tax evasion (up to €89 billion), and unfair competition faced by EU textile producers.

As our expert, Stijn Steuperaert, was interviewed because of our activities in the field of REACH compliancy, we'll take the opportunity to highlight our efforts and services in the field.

The REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) governs the use of thousands of chemical substances within the EU. Products must not contain hazardous chemicals like chromium VI or banned azo dyes — yet the SIC investigation reveals many imports do.

Centexbel’s core services in REACH compliance include:

• Laboratory testing of textiles to detect banned substances;
• Material composition analysis, including dyes, fibers, and coatings;
• Regulatory audits and technical support, helping EU manufacturers and importers meet legal obligations.

This is vital to ensuring EU-based companies compete fairly while maintaining consumer safety.

With a dramatic rise in small online orders entering Europe (up to 300 million parcels/month, as shown in the SIC report), customs authorities are overwhelmed. As a result, non-compliant products often slip through unnoticed.

Centexbel provides crucial backup by:

1. Testing suspicious product batches upon request or referral;
2. Providing scientific reports that support enforcement actions;
3. Assisting in tracing supply chains for regulatory follow-up.

Their role strengthens the weak points in current EU border checks, bringing scientific rigor where customs capacity falls short.

The SIC report also reveals financial impacts: the EU lost up to €89 billion in VAT and duties in 2022 due to loopholes in small package imports. 

Centexbel contributes to solutions by:

• Advising EU institutions and member states on technical screening strategies;
• Participating in standardization efforts, reducing fragmentation in national enforcement;
• Sharing data with regulators, shaping smarter, more enforceable policies.

This makes Centexbel more than a lab — it’s a bridge between science and regulation.

Beyond enforcement, Centexbel is a leader in textile innovation and sustainability. 

Our work includes:

• Developing safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals;
• Supporting eco-friendly textile design, from biodegradable fibers to waterless dyeing;
• Helping SMEs adapt to circular economy goals and green compliance.

Our R&D ensures that European producers don’t just survive — they lead — in an increasingly competitive, sustainability-driven global market.

As the SIC investigation makes clear, the EU faces a wave of uncontrolled textile imports that jeopardize public health, economic fairness, and environmental safety. 

Centexbel acts as a technical guardian, offering:

• Certified testing,
• Scientific credibility,
• Regulatory intelligence,
• And forward-looking innovation.

While consumers may not see their work directly, Centexbel stands at the intersection of policy, science, and trade — protecting European values in every thread.