bluesign 2025 Revision of Chemical Reference Lists: BSSL, BSBL, and RSL

bluesign, the globally recognized system for sustainable textile production, has published the 2025 revision of its key chemical reference lists: bluesign System Substances List (BSSL), bluesign System Black Limits (BSBL), and bluesign Restricted Substances List (RSL). These updates reflect bluesign’s ongoing commitment to chemical safety, environmental protection, and industry alignment through rigorous science-based evaluation and global stakeholder collaboration. 

The revised lists – BSSL v16.0, BSBL v7.0, and RSL v16.0 – are in effect starting July 1st, and incorporate the latest toxicological and ecological research, updated classifications, and newly adopted industry-standard analytical methods. Revisions were guided by expert input from the bluesign Chemical Expert Group (CEG) and informed by evolving global regulations. 

 
Key Updates in the 2025 Revision: 

• Integration of new SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern). 

• Inclusion of substances newly classified under the EU’s CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and California Proposition 65. 

• Alignment with global standards, incorporating additional substances from the AFIRM and AAFA RSLs 

• Heavy metals added to BSBL for better compatibility with ZDHC MRSL compliance. 

• Advanced testing protocols introduced, including enhanced methods for detecting PFAS and tin-organic compounds to ensure more accurate and reliable substance monitoring 

• New substance additions to existing chemical groups, including tin-organics, nonylphenol ethoxylates, brominated diphenyl ethers, polybrominated biphenyls, and polychlorinated naphthalenes. 

These changes ensure bluesign System Partner companies remain at the forefront of responsible chemical management and continue to meet highest standards of safety and compliance. 

What are the bluesign Chemical Lists? 

• BSSL sets consumer safety limits for chemical substances in textile and leather articles. 

• BSBL defines hazard-based threshold limits for substances in finished chemical products (e.g., dyes, auxiliaries). 

• RSL is a practical extract of the BSSL, containing consumer safety limits and recommended testing methods for the most important and legally restricted substances in textile and leather articles as well as accessories 

About bluesign 

bluesign helps the textile industry reduce its impact on people and the planet. Through a structured system for sustainable chemical management and responsible manufacturing, we empower brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers to create safer, more responsible products. By eliminating harmful substances at the start of production, we ensure textiles & accessories meet the highest safety and environmental standards. Since 2000, over 850 industry leaders have partnered with bluesign to drive meaningful change. bluesign is part of SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company.

Visit bluesign’s Downloads page to download the bluesign Chemical Lists and more.