ISO 9237 — Standard

About the Standard

Scope title: air permeability of textiles

ISO 9237 is a standard published by International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The international standards organisation; it publishes the widest body of management system, test method and product standards.

See the other 310 codes from ISO

Coverage areas

Tekstil Testleri — What Does This Testing Field Cover?

The section below describes the field that code ISO 9237 belongs to; it is not the text of the standard or the regime itself. The scope title of the code is given above, and technical requirements are shared at the quotation stage.

Textile testing answers two questions separately: does the fabric hold up physically over its service life, and does it carry any substance restricted for human health? These two axes require different laboratory infrastructure and different decision mechanisms.

On the physical side, breaking and tear strength, abrasion resistance, pilling, dimensional change, colour fastness and water and oil repellency are measured. Most of these tests depend on the USE SCENARIO: Martindale abrasion cycles are decisive for an upholstery fabric, while dimensional change in washing and colour fastness come to the fore for a shirting fabric. The same fabric goes through a different test set for a different use.

Colour fastness is a body of work of its own in this field and is not a single test. The fastness of the same fabric to light, washing, rubbing, perspiration, saliva, chlorinated water and ironing is measured separately; each represents a different moment of use. Results are rated from 1 to 5 on the grey scale and the specification gives a separate minimum rating for each agent.

On the chemical side, aromatic amines released from azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates, short-chain chlorinated paraffins, alkylphenols and PFAS compounds are screened. These items come from REACH restrictions, brand restricted substance lists (RSL) and voluntary schemes such as OEKO-TEX. Brand lists are often stricter than legislation; the target customer is decisive.

There is NO CE marking on consumer textiles. The obligation has three legs: fibre composition and care labelling, compliance with chemical restrictions, and general product safety. Textiles claiming a protective function (workwear, flame-resistant clothing, high-visibility clothing) fall under personal protective equipment legislation, where CE is mandatory — this distinction is commercially critical.

Verifying the label declaration is the most routine work in the field. Quantitative fibre analysis confirms the blend ratio stated on the label; tolerance ranges are defined in legislation. An incorrect fibre declaration both misleads the consumer and affects customs classification.

Sustainability claims have added a new body of work to the field in recent years: verification of recycled content (GRS, RCS), organic content (GOTS), restriction of harmful chemicals and water/energy footprint declarations. These claims now require auditable evidence.

Method groups in this field

Strength and durability
Strip and grab breaking strength, tearing by the Elmendorf and tongue methods, seam strength, bursting strength.
Abrasion and surface
Martindale and rotary platform abrasion, pilling and fuzzing, fabric mass and thread density measurements.
Dimensional stability
Dimensional change in washing and drying, wrinkling behaviour, appearance after ironing.
Colour fastness
Fastness to light (xenon), washing, rubbing, perspiration, saliva, water and chlorinated water; rating on the grey scale.
Functional properties
Water repellency (spray test), oil repellency, waterproofness, air permeability, effectiveness of antibacterial finishes, UV protection factor.
Chemical analyses
Aromatic amines from azo dyes, formaldehyde, pH, heavy metals, phthalates, chlorinated phenols, PFAS and alkylphenols.

Commonly confused in this field

A brand restricted substance list (RSL) may be stricter than legislation; REACH compliance does not mean compliance with the customer specification.
Textiles claiming a protective function fall under PPE legislation and require CE; an ordinary textile test report does not satisfy that file.
Colour fastness is not a single number; a rating cannot be interpreted without stating which agent it relates to.
A result obtained for a fabric does not cover the whole garment made from it; lining, sewing thread, print and trims are assessed separately.
Performance claims after washing are valid together with the stated number of wash cycles; the word "permanent" on its own is not verifiable.

Which decisions these results support

Compliance with the brand restricted substance list (RSL)
Verification of label declarations: fibre composition and care instructions
Determining the performance class of upholstery and technical textiles
Pre-import shipment inspection and lot acceptance
Supporting sustainability and recycled content claims

Structure of the Code

Published by: ISO
Serial number: 9237
Part: without partition

Codes in the library without release year is kept. The current version changes over time; If the year is specified in your specification, that version is taken as basis, if not specified, the most current version is applied.

Scope

Textile Testing

Related Tests and Services

A separate test page based on this code has not yet been released. The code falls within the scope of the following test families.

Textile Testing

Technical Requirements

Standard texts are copyright of the relevant organization; test condition, sample and acceptance criteria cannot be fitted here.

Technical requirements specific to your product, once we clarify the scope At offer stage shared in writing.

Relevant Product Groups and Legislation

This code is included in the standard tag of the product pages below.

These product pages carry notes for the following markets: European Union, United Kingdom, USA. Whether the standard is mandatory in the relevant market varies depending on the product group and the applicable legislation.

Regulations published with this code on the same product pages:

(AB) 2018/858Vehicle Type-Approval FrameworkApproval of motor vehicles and their components. Component and separate technical unit approval run under this framework; the E mark arises from it.
UNECEUNECE 1958 AgreementType-approval under component-specific UNECE regulations (e.g. R10 EMC, R30/R54 tyres, R43 glazing).
UNECE R10UNECE R10Electromagnetic compatibility approval for vehicles and their components.
2011/65/EURoHSRestriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
2000/53/ATELVEnd-of-life vehicles. Sets heavy-metal restrictions and recoverability targets.
(EU) 2017/745MDRThe Medical Device Regulation. Classification (I, IIa, IIb, III), clinical evaluation, technical documentation and post-market surveillance obligations; the notified body's role grows as the class rises.
(EU) 2017/746IVDRThe In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation. In vitro diagnostic devices fall under this regulation instead of the MDR.
(AB) 2017/745 art. 33EUDAMEDThe European medical device database. From 28 May 2026, the actor registration, UDI/device, certificate and market surveillance modules are mandatory; placing on the market is not possible without a valid SRN.
2006/42/ATMachinery Directive (overlap)Relevant essential requirements also apply to medical devices that also qualify as machinery.
(EC) 1907/2006REACHRegistration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals; SVHC notification.
(EU) 2023/1230Machinery RegulationReplaces 2006/42/EC and becomes mandatory on 20 January 2027 with no further transition period. Requires notified-body involvement for Annex I high-risk machinery.
2014/35/EULVDThe Low Voltage Directive. Governs electrical safety in the 50–1000 V AC range.
2014/30/EUEMCThe Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive. Emission and immunity are covered together.
2014/34/ABATEXEquipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres. The category and conformity route are determined by zone classification.
2000/14/ATNoise EmissionNoise emitted into the environment by outdoor equipment. Machinery within scope requires a sound-power-level declaration and marking.
2014/68/EUPEDThe Pressure Equipment Directive for pressurised parts; the category is determined by pressure and volume.
(EU) 2024/573F-GasRefrigerant type, GWP value and leak-tightness obligations for systems containing a refrigerant.
(AB) 547/2012Ecodesign (water pumps)Ecodesign requirements for water pumps. Sets minimum efficiency index and product-information requirements.
(AB) 2019/1781Ecodesign (electric motors)Efficiency class requirements for electric motors and variable-speed drives.
(AT) 1935/2004Food Contact MaterialsGeneral requirements for equipment in contact with food; material conformity is required for valves in food lines.
(AB) 2020/2184Drinking Water Contact ProductsHygiene requirements for materials in contact with water under the Drinking Water Directive.
2014/29/ABSimple Pressure VesselsA separate directive for series-produced simple pressure vessels; its scope must be distinguished from the PED.
2010/35/ABTransportable Pressure EquipmentThe pi mark and periodic inspection regime for transportable pressure equipment.
2009/48/ECToy SafetyThe Toy Safety Directive. Regulates mechanical, physical, flammability, chemical and electrical safety requirements together; a technical file and safety assessment are mandatory.
EN 62115Electrical toysSafety for electric toys; applies to mains-connected or battery-powered toys.
(AT) 1907/2006 Annex XVII item 51-52Phthalate RestrictionRestriction of certain phthalates in toys and childcare articles.
(EU) 2023/1542Batteries RegulationBattery obligations and a removability requirement for toys containing a battery.
(AB) 1007/2011Textile LabellingTextile fibre names and labelling. Declaration of fibre composition and regulation of the label language.
(AT) 1907/2006 Annex XVII item 43Azo Dye RestrictionRestriction of certain azo dyes in textiles in contact with skin.
(AB) 2019/1021PFAS / PFOA RestrictionRestriction of PFOA and its derivatives under the Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation.
(EU) 2023/988GPSRThe General Product Safety Regulation. The safety framework for consumer products not covered by sector-specific legislation.
(EU) 2016/425Personal Protective Equipment (overlap)The PPE Regulation's scope and category are determined for textiles with a protective function.
(AB) 10/2011Plastics in Food ContactPlastic materials in contact with food. The list of authorised substances, and overall and specific migration limits.
(AT) 2023/2006Good Manufacturing PracticeGood manufacturing practice (GMP) for food-contact materials.
(AB) 2025/40Packaging and Packaging WasteThe Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Recyclability, recycled-content and packaging-reduction obligations; replaces 94/62/EC.
(AB) 2022/1616Recycled PlasticRecycled plastic materials in contact with food.
(EU) 2024/3110Construction Products RegulationDeclaration of performance and CE marking for construction products. Most provisions apply from 8 January 2026; it progressively replaces (EU) 305/2011.
(AB) 305/2011CPR (transition)Continues to apply during the transition period for product groups where a new harmonised standard has not been published.
EN 13501-1Reaction-to-Fire ClassificationReaction-to-fire class for construction products; a mandatory item of the declaration of performance.
(EU) 2023/1115Deforestation (wood-based)A deforestation-free supply declaration for wood and derived construction materials.
(AT) 1223/2009Cosmetic Products RegulationThe Cosmetic Products Regulation. Appointing a responsible person, the product information file (PIF), the safety assessment (CPSR) and CPNP notification are mandatory; there is no product approval, and responsibility rests with the manufacturer.
(AT) 1223/2009 Annexes II-VIProhibited and Restricted SubstancesLists of prohibited substances, restricted substances, and permitted preservatives, colorants and UV filters.
(AT) 1223/2009 art. 16Nanomaterial NotificationA separate notification six months before placing on the market for products containing nanomaterials.
(AT) 1223/2009 art. 18Animal Testing BanA ban on animal testing of finished products and ingredients, and on placing animal-tested products on the market.
(AT) 178/2002General Food LawThe general principles of food law, traceability and food safety responsibility.
(AT) 852/2004Food HygieneHygiene rules for food businesses and the obligation for a HACCP-based system.
(AB) 1169/2011Food Information to ConsumersFood labelling; nutrition declaration, allergen information and origin information.
(AB) 2023/915ContaminantsMaximum levels of contaminants in food.
(AT) 396/2005Pesticide residuesMaximum residue limits in food of plant and animal origin.
(AT) 2073/2005Microbiological CriteriaMicrobiological criteria for foodstuffs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this standard mandatory for my product?

Whether it is mandatory depends on the product group, the target market and the applicable legislation. Once you tell us your product and market, we clarify in writing whether this standard is required.

How long does the test process take?

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