The Central African country of Cameroon has banned the use of five chemicals in textile manufacturing in the country. The banned chemicals are azo dyes, formaldehyde, alkyl phenol, phthalates, and heavy metals that have a negative impact on both the environment and consumer health, Cameroonian ministry of mines, industry and technological development said. “The distribution of non-compliant products … is therefore prohibited throughout the national territory. Any offender to this regulation will face sanctions provided for by the law in force,” Gabriel Dodo Ndocke, minister of mines, industry ad technological development said, according to Cameroonian media reports. The minister said that the ban is in line with Cameroonian standards, specifically those related to loincloths and household linens. He urged textile processing and manufacturing companies, importers and retailers to comply with the decision.
