(Business in Cameroon) - Cameroonian Minister of Mines and Technological Development, Gabriel Dodo Ndocke (photo), issued a list of five chemicals the use of which is now banned in textile manufacturing in the country. The products are said to have a negative impact on both the environment and consumer health.

These are azo dyes (used in dyeing), Formaldehyde (colorless gas), Alkyl phenol (nonylphenol ethylate, nonylphenol), phthalates (substances mainly used in plastics), and heavy metals (lead). “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,” threatens Mr. Dodo Ndocke.

The minister is urging particularly administrations in charge of fraud control and repression, textile production and processing companies, importers and retailers to comply with the decision. He said the ban is in line with Cameroonian standards specifically related to wax prints and household linens.

Sylvain Andzongo