ALLWELL Swim Goggle Lenses Shift Away from UV-326, UV-328 and UV-329

European chemical compliance is moving quickly around benzotriazole-based ultraviolet absorbers. In Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/843, the European Commission amended Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants as regards UV-328. The official EUR-Lex text links this change to the Stockholm Convention decision to include UV-328 in Annex A, and sets concentration limits for UV-328 in substances, mixtures and articles, starting at 100 mg/kg from 4 August 2025, then moving to 10 mg/kg from 4 August 2027 and 1 mg/kg from 4 August 2029.

The regulatory direction is not limited to UV-328. ECHA's 2026 consultation on a draft recommendation for inclusion in the REACH Authorisation List includes Bumetrizole (UV-326) and 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol (UV-329). ECHA explains that companies wishing to continue using a substance included in the Authorisation List after the sunset date need to submit an application for authorisation and receive a positive European Commission decision. For buyers, this is a clear signal that older benzotriazole UV absorbers should be reviewed before new EU-market programs are launched.

For swim goggles, the most visible performance difference from a UV absorber change is in the lens. The lens must protect the user's eyes from ultraviolet light while also keeping optical clarity, color stability and mass-production consistency. Importers and brand owners should therefore ask suppliers to confirm the lens UV protection specification, lock the bill of materials before mass production, and prepare material declarations or test documents for retailer and customs review.

ALLWELL has completed the new formulation change across its swim goggle products. Our current swim goggle lens material system no longer uses UV-326, UV-328 or UV-329. At the same time, the updated lens formula is specified to deliver 100% UV absorption and protection from 280 nm through 400 nm, covering the key UVB and UVA range required for reliable swim goggle protection.

This is important because compliance should not come at the cost of product function. With the updated lens formula, ALLWELL can support EU-market and international brand programs with both regulatory avoidance of UV-326, UV-328 and UV-329 and strong UV-blocking performance. The substitution is managed through incoming material review, supplier confirmation, sample approval, production material control and final inspection so buyers can start new swim goggle projects from a safer and clearer specification.