Azo dyes which can release forbidden amines by reductive cleavage, had not been allowed to be used in textiles and garments in Germany, Netherlands and Austria since nineteen nineties. This azo dyes restriction has been extended to the European Union by the EU directive 2002/61/EC. Such forbidden amines are classified as either carcinogenic or suspected to be carcinogenic.

According to the above 2002/61/EC, azodyes which, by reductive cleavage of one or more azo groups, may release one or more of the aromatic amines listed in Table (I), in detectable concentrations, i.e. above 30 ppm in the finished articles or in the dyed parts thereof, may not be used in textile and leather articles which may come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin or oral cavity, such as:

• clothing, bedding, towels, hairpieces, wigs, hats, nappies and other sanitary items, sleeping bags,
• footwear, gloves, wristwatch straps, handbags, purses/wallets, briefcases, chair covers, purses worn round the neck,
• textile or leather toys and toys which include textile or leather garments,
• yarn and fabrics intended for use by the final consumer.