GB 18401-2010: Entering the China Market

The National General Safety Technical Code for Textile Product, GB 18401-2010, is a mandatory standard that was introduced to regulate the safety and quality of textile products in China. The standard outlines the general safety and technical requirements, testing methods, inspection rules and implementation guidelines for the product and sale of textile goods.

Textile products are classified into:

  • Products for babes (0-36 months)
  • Products with direct contact to skin
  • Products without direct contact to skin

Imported textile products that fall into any of the three categories above undergo a process that begins with checks at customs to random inspection once the product is placed on the shelf.

CIQ, Statutory inspection, random inspection, CNAS, CMA, testing, GB testing, GB18401
Process for importing goods into China

 Process for goods imported into China


GB18401-2010: Technical Requirements

Test item 

Product for babies

Product with direct contact to skin

Product without direct contact to skin

Formaldehyde content (mg/kg)

 ≤ 20

≤ 75

 ≤ 300

pH value (1)

 4.0 to 7.5

 4.0 to 8.5

 4.0 to 9.0

Colourfastness (3)

Water (2)

 Grade ≥ 3-4

 Grade ≥ 3

Grade ≥ 3


Acidic perspiration (2)

 Grade ≥ 3-4

Grade ≥ 3

Grade ≥ 3


Alkaline perspiration (2)

 Grade ≥ 3-4

Grade ≥ 3

Grade ≥ 3


Dry rubbing

 Grade ≥ 4

Grade ≥ 3

 Grade ≥ 3


Saliva (2)

 Grade ≥ 4

Grade ≥ 3

Grade ≥ 3

Unpleasant odour

  1.  None
  1. Cleavage carcinogenic aromatic amines (mg/kg) (4) 
  1. Banned
  1. (1) Non-finished product which must go through the wet processing in  follow-up process, its pH values can be set to 4.0 to 10.5
  2. (2) Colour change and staining
  3. (3) No requirement for washing-fading non-finished products and non-dyed and bleached products; no requirement for the tie-dye, batik and other traditional hand-coloured products; only infant products are required to be tested for colour fastness to saliva
  4. (4)The list of cleavage carcinogenic aromatic amines refers to Appendix C in GB 18401-2010, Limit is ≤ 20mg/kg.

TÜV SÜD offers a range of services to support your compliance with the GB 18401-2010 standard, from testing solutions to technical knowledge support. Our partnership with CIQ (China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau) and QTS (Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision) allow our clients to fully leverage our "one test, three reports" service, providing a cost and time efficient solution for clients requiring multiple market access support. A solid understanding of GB requirements and your obligations as a manufacturer/retailer is crucial to ensure an efficient market entry process. With our partnership with key government agencies and our knowledgeable experts, we are well-placed to provide practical compliance support to help you enter the market with confidence.

Your benefits at a glance:

  • Receive expert partnership from TÜV SÜD, who is well versed with requirements of the GB regulations
  • Ensure compliance to worldwide safety, social, legal and environmental standards
  • Minimise business risks and costs with our “one test, three reports” service
  • Gain international market access
  • Deliver consistent quality in material safety, durability and wearability
  • Maintain and build brand reputation
  • Enhance marketability of products through TÜV SÜD marks and certificates