Dear ###USER_first_name###,

It was a pleasure to welcome the IDFB members to Chia for the 2026 Plenary Meeting. I am delighted to share the key outcomes and latest developments from our Technical Commission, Public Relations Committee and member countries.

In this newsletter:

  • Updated IDFB Testing Regulations now available
  • Latest developments in key TC and PRC projects
  • Important standards updates from China, Japan and Europe
  • IDFB activities to protect down and combat misleading products
  • Pictures from Chia and Save the Date for 2027

The full presentations and country reports are available in the IDFB Member Portal for everyone who would like to explore individual topics in more detail. All meeting minutes are also available for committee members. 

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer!

Best regards,
Stephanie
IDFB Secretary
 

Events
Chia 2026 at a Glance

The IDFB Plenary Meeting 2026 brought members together to advance key technical and communication projects, exchange developments from international markets and define further actions to protect genuine down products.

Key outcomes:

  • Updated IDFB Testing Regulations have been published.
  • Important standards developments are underway in China, Japan and Europe.
  • Work continues towards an IDFB recommendation for APEO testing.
  • A new Working Group will explore the development of an IDFB AI Library.
  • The Global Down Trademark project is moving forward.
  • The LCA comparing recycled and new down is nearing completion.
  • IDFB and its members continue their efforts to address fraudulent and misleading products in international markets.
 

What Has Changed
Updated IDFB Testing Regulations Now Available

IDFB has released the 2026 version of the IDFB Testing Regulations. The new version includes updates to the testing methods for Composition (Part 03), pH (Part 06), Oxygen (Part 07), Fill Power (Part 10-B) and Turbidity (Part 11 A-B-C). Members and laboratories are encouraged to review the updated regulations that are now available for download at the IDFB Member Portal at Projects of the Technical Commission.
 

Key IDFB Projects
Technical Commission

APEO Testing – Further Data Being Collected
The TC is working towards an IDFB recommendation for APEO testing. Further data will be collected to compare the ISO, Chinese GB/T and ASTM methods, including testing costs, before a recommendation is developed.

Fill Power Cylinders – Further Investigation Required
A performance comparison of plastic and stainless-steel Fill Power cylinders showed considerable variance in test results. The TC will therefore continue investigating the differences between the two cylinder types.

New IDFB AI Library Project
The TC established a Working Group to explore the development of an IDFB AI Library. The aim is to create a tool that will allow users to efficiently search IDFB documents and other relevant industry materials.
 

Key IDFB Projects
Public Relations Committee

LCA Expansion Nearing Completion
The LCA expansion comparing recycled down with new down is nearing completion, with results expected by the end of the summer.

Global Down Trademark – Project Moving Forward
The PRC supports moving forward with the proposed Global Down Trademark. Its primary purpose is to protect the word “down” from misuse, rather than to establish a premium quality label. The project is intended to operate on a cost-recovery basis, with participating companies funding its development. National Associations will consult their members as the next step before the project proceeds further.

Growing IDFB Visibility
IDFB's digital communication continues to gain visibility. LinkedIn has generated more than 25,000 organic impressions, and members are encouraged to help extend our reach by sharing, liking and commenting on IDFB posts.
 

News from Member Countries
International Standards to Watch

Member countries presented their latest market reports during the Plenary Meeting. The full reports are available in the IDFB Member Portal. The Technical Commission also received several important standards updates.

China – New Standards Effective September 1
The revised GB/T 17685-2026 and GB/T 10288-2026 will take effect on September 1, 2026. Key changes concern pre-washed and recycled down and feather, dust testing, composition analysis, Fill Power and species identification. CFDIA is also working with Chinese authorities to address cases in which imported pre-washed down and feather have been classified as solid waste. The mandatory GB 18383-2025 introduces further requirements for filled textile products, including provisions concerning recycled down and its labeling.

Japan – Addressing “Down Fiber” Labeling
JDFA has started monitoring misleading use of the term “Down fiber” in Japanese e-commerce and is working with the Japan Bedding Goods Association on compliance. A key next step is the planned revision of JIS L 0216 to clarify the definitions of “Down fiber” and “Feather fiber” and address existing labeling loopholes.

Europe – Several Standards Moving Forward
EN 12934:2025 for labeling finished products is already in force, while the revised EN 12131 composition test is expected to become active by the end of 2026. New European standards for the testing and labeling of blended materials are targeted for early 2027. Work is also underway on a European test method for species identification.
 

International Down Market Committee
Protecting Down in the Marketplace

Protecting genuine down products and ensuring accurate communication to consumers remain key priorities for IDFB and its members.

The International Down Market Committee (IDMC) continues its coordinated work against fraudulent labeling and misleading product claims. In China, CFDIA pursued trademark infringement cases involving fake labels and reported more than 30 online shops suspected of misusing industry logos. Cooperation with online retailers in the U.S. has already resulted in the removal of non-compliant listings, while monitoring and enforcement activities continue. Developments in Japan furhter demonstrate the international relevance of this work. JDFA is addressing misleading use of the term “Down fiber” in e-commerce, where crushed feather products may be presented in ways that give consumers the impression that they are genuine down.

These activities complement IDFB's work on the proposed Global Down Trademark and international efforts to establish clear and consistent terminology for down and feather products.
 

Pictures & Save the Date

If you were unable to join us in Chia - or would simply like to look back at the meeting - have a glimpse at the pictures now available in the IDFB Member Portal.

And please save the date for the IDFB Plenary Meeting 2027:

🗓️ June 13–16, 2027
🏠 Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, China

We look forward to seeing you there!

The text of this newsletter was edited using AI.