Chemical Management Audits: ZDHC MRSL, Inventories and Safe Storage
Environmental · 2026-09-29 · 2 min read · CR Global Assurance Editorial Team
Brands now expect suppliers to prove that every chemical entering the factory is known, conformant and safely handled. A chemical management audit shows where your system stands.
Dyeing, washing, printing and finishing use hundreds of chemical products. Without control, hazardous substances can end up in wastewater, in products and in workers' lungs. A chemical management audit by CR Global Assurance evaluates whether your chemical management system (CMS) prevents those risks and meets buyer requirements such as the ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL).
What a chemical management audit covers
- Policy and responsibilities — a named chemical manager, procedures and management commitment.
- Chemical inventory — a complete, current list of every product on site, including maintenance and ETP chemicals.
- Purchasing controls — screening new products against the ZDHC MRSL and buyer RSLs before purchase.
- Safety data sheets (SDS) — current, in a language workers understand, and available at the point of use.
- Storage — segregation of incompatible chemicals, secondary containment, ventilation, labelling and fire protection.
- Handling and PPE — dispensing practices, eyewash and shower stations, and correct PPE.
- Training and emergency response — spill kits, drills and competence records.
- Wastewater and sludge — testing and disposal, linked to the ETP audit.
Understanding ZDHC MRSL conformance
The ZDHC MRSL lists substances banned from intentional use in textile, leather and footwear processing. Suppliers show conformance by sourcing chemical formulations with recognised conformance levels (for example through the ZDHC Gateway), and by testing wastewater to confirm restricted substances are not present above limits.
Common gaps
- Inventory excludes maintenance, laboratory or ETP chemicals.
- Decanted chemicals in unlabelled containers on the production floor.
- SDS older than five years or from a different supplier than the product in use.
- Acids and oxidisers stored together.
- No process to check new chemicals before the first delivery.
How the audit supports Higg FEM and buyers
The chemicals section of the Higg FEM asks for much of the same evidence. Fixing gaps found during a chemical management audit before verification typically improves your verified score and reduces buyer corrective action plans.
Training your team
CR Global runs a dedicated Chemical Management System training covering inventories, MRSL screening, SDS, storage design and emergency response. Many clients schedule the course before their first audit.
Book a chemical management audit
CR Global Assurance — formerly CR Team Ltd — audits chemical management for wet processing units, laundries, printers and tanneries. Apply online to schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ZDHC MRSL?
The ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List is a list of hazardous substances that must not be intentionally used in textile, leather and footwear manufacturing processes.
What is the difference between an MRSL and an RSL?
An MRSL restricts substances used during manufacturing, while an RSL (Restricted Substances List) sets limits for substances in the finished product.
Does CR Global Assurance offer chemical management training?
Yes. CR Global Assurance runs Chemical Management System (CMS) training alongside chemical management audits.