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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-05-15 Origin: Site
The EU's core requirements for water repellency (DWR) focus on four key areas: surface water repellency rating (ISO 4920), durability (rating retention after washing/rubbing), hydrostatic pressure threshold (EN 343), and PFAS environmental ban (EN 17681‑1:2025 + REACH). From 2025 to 2026, the focus will be on tightening fluorine-free requirements and durability stability.
I. Water Repellency Performance Standard (ISO 4920)
Definition: Water droplets form beads on the fabric surface and roll off without penetrating the fibers (≠ waterproof/hydrostatic pressure).
Test Method: Spraying method (ISO 4920), spraying 250mL of distilled water and visual rating.
EU Standard Rating (ISO 4920):
Rating | Phenomenon Description | Application Scenario |
|---|---|---|
Level 5 | No wetting on the surface, no adhering water droplets | Strong water repellency (new fabric) |
Level 4 | Slight wetting on the surface, a small number of water droplets | Commonly used outdoors (DWR) |
Level 3 | Partial wetting on the surface, more water droplets | Basic water repellency |
Level 2 | Obvious wetting on the surface, large-area water droplets | Light splash resistance |
Level 1 | Complete wetting, no water repellent effect | No water repellent ability |
General Requirements:
New products ≥ Level 4 (90 points);
After 5 washes ≥ Level 3 (80 points);
Outdoor durable models (DWR): After 20 washes ≥ Level 3.
II. Basic Threshold for Waterproofing (Hydrostatic Pressure) (EN 343:2019)
Water repellency is often paired with waterproofing (hydrostatic pressure), and the EU mandates classification for protective clothing/outdoor fabrics:
Class | Fabric Hydrostatic Pressure (WP) | Seam Hydrostatic Pressure | Application Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
Class 1 | ≥8,000 Pa (≈816 mm) | ≥8,000 Pa | Light rain/short time |
Class 2 | ≥8,000 Pa after washing | ≥8,000 Pa after washing | Moderate rain/daily use |
Class 3 | ≥13,000 Pa after washing | ≥13,000 Pa after washing | Heavy rain/outdoor work |
Class 4 | ≥20,000 Pa after washing | ≥20,000 Pa after washing | Heavy rain/extreme environments |
Key Point: Both water repellency (surface) and hydrostatic pressure (anti-permeability) must meet the standards, and seams must be sealed and tested together.
III. Environmental Compliance: Comprehensive PFAS Ban (2025 New Regulation)
The EU has enforced EN 17681‑1:2025 since October 31, 2025, in conjunction with REACH Annex XVII and POPs regulations:
Test Method: Alkaline hydrolysis (replacing the old methanol extraction method), which can detect covalently bound fluoropolymers and degradation products (such as FTOHs).
Limit Requirements:
Single PFAS ≤ 25 ppb;
Total PFAS ≤ 250 ppb;
Fluoropolymers (e.g., PTFE) ≤ 50 ppm;
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are directly banned (ND).
Impact: Traditional C8 fluorine-based DWR is completely eliminated, and it is necessary to switch to fluorine-free water repellents (such as silicone-based, wax-based, polyurethane, and bio-based).
IV. Durability and Pretreatment Requirements (EN 343/ISO 4920)
Washing Stability:
Ordinary models: ≥ Level 3 after 5 washes;
Outdoor models: ≥ Level 3 after 20 washes (ISO 6330, 40℃).
Abrasion Resistance: After ≥ 5,000 Martindale abrasion cycles, the water repellency rating decreases by ≤ 1 level.
UV Aging: After 72 hours of UV exposure (340 nm, 0.89 W/m²), the rating retention is ≥ 80%.
V. Testing and Labeling Key Points
Test Standard Combination:
Water repellency: ISO 4920;
Hydrostatic pressure: ISO 811;
PFAS: EN 17681‑1:2025;
Washing: ISO 6330.
CE Marking (EN 343): Umbrella icon, marked with waterproof rating/moisture permeability rating (e.g., Class 3/2).
Compliance Documents: Provide test report + fluorine-free declaration + REACH compliance certificate.
VI. Common Misunderstandings
❌ Water repellency = waterproof: Water repellency is surface water repellency (no hydrostatic pressure requirement), while waterproofing is hydrostatic pressure resistance to penetration (≥8,000 Pa); both must meet the standards.
❌ Fluorine-containing is more durable: Since 2025, fluorine-based PFAS has been fully banned, and fluorine-free DWR (silicone-based/bio-based) can already achieve ≥ Level 3 after 20 washes.
VII. 2026 Compliance Recommendations
Prioritize fluorine-free water repellents (silicone-based, polyurethane, bio-based) to avoid PFAS risks;
Inspection coverage: ISO 4920 (water repellency) + ISO 811 (hydrostatic pressure) + EN 17681‑1:2025 (PFAS);
Clarify in the contract: ≥ Level 3 after 20 washes, and provide a third-party report.
