RSL and MRSL consulting and training

1. What is an MRSL?

MRSL stands for Manufacturing Restricted Substances List.

An MRSL focuses on restricted substances in the chemical formulations used during manufacturing. Chemical inputs should be assessed against the applicable MRSL before they are used at the facility.

Customers may specify their own MRSL or adopt an industry approach, such as ZDHC’s MRSL or the applicable input-chemistry criteria of the bluesign system. Check the scope and current version of the chosen programme.

2. What is an RSL?

RSL stands for Restricted Substances List.

An RSL addresses restricted substances that may be present in materials and finished products. It defines the applicable limits; compliance is assessed through appropriate material and product testing and other required evidence.

Customers may use their own RSL or an established industry list, including applicable bluesign requirements.

Comparing RSL and MRSL

MRSL and RSL address restricted substances in manufacturing inputs and finished materials or products, respectively. Both support chemical management and product-safety programmes.

The lists may cover similar substances, but their application and sampling points differ. MRSL verification concerns chemical formulations used in production; RSL verification concerns the materials and products supplied to customers.

MRSL: controlling manufacturing chemical inputs

An MRSL gives brands, retailers, suppliers and manufacturers limits for restricted substances in chemical formulations used to manufacture materials and products.

Controlling upstream chemical inputs can reduce risks to workers, consumers and the environment and help protect a company’s reputation. MRSL conformance does not by itself establish that every finished product meets its RSL.

MRSL testing analyses the chemical formulations used to manufacture materials. Each formulation is checked against the relevant restricted-substance limits, so a manufacturing process using several formulations may require multiple evaluations.

Brands, retailers and manufacturers may include MRSL testing in a structured due-diligence programme. Select a suitably accredited laboratory, with the required methods in its ISO/IEC 17025 scope and any programme-specific approval.

RSL: controlling restricted substances in materials and products

An RSL is used to check materials and finished products for restricted substances. Its focus is the supplied material or product, although controlling manufacturing inputs and processes remains important in meeting the limits.

An RSL can support the management of applicable market and customer requirements, including substance restrictions. The legal obligations depend on the product and destination market; an RSL alone is not evidence of compliance with every applicable law.

Use a structured, risk-based testing programme for materials and finished products. RSL testing should be performed by a laboratory with suitable ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and the relevant methods within its accredited scope; confirm any additional customer or scheme requirements.

ZDHC - Manufacturing Restricted Substances List

ITVC Global’s RSL and MRSL consulting and training services

ITVC Global supports businesses through:

• RSL and MRSL training.
• Chemical-management consulting based on the applicable RSL and MRSL.