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ITC started preparing the harmless list in October 1995 and it had gained active support from major dyestuff manufacturers.
"By now, a list of the harmless dyestuffs commonly used in Hong Kong has been compiled and it is promulgated to industrialists through the Internet at http://www.polyu.edu.hk/~itc," Mr Law said.
"Being an independent and highly respected tertiary institution, ITC is well positioned to do the certification.
"This certification is expected to be able to gain a certain extent of recognition by German importers and if so, the industrialists would be able to minimise the testing requirement to be conducted," he said.
"The certificate bearing the stamp of ITC will no doubt be more creditable than the current self declaration by the manufacturers or traders.
"This will also demonstrate the keenness of Hong Kong industry to comply with the new German regulation and will in turn impress upon the German importers that it is safe to place orders to Hong Kong," he added.
The certification scheme will be promoted through a number of channels, including the Industry Department's overseas offices; Product Standards Information Bureau's Health and Safety Standard Circular, Trade Department's commercial information circulars; Hong Kong Trade Development Council as well as various industry and trade organisations, such as the Hong Kong Exporter Association.
Mr Law said the Industry Department had commissioned the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to conduct an "Initial Study of the Impact of the New German Regulation Regarding Harmful Azocolours in the Textiles and Clothing Industries of Hong Kong" in 1994.
In a report submitted to the department. HKPC had recommended that the industry should consider the establishment of a "Voluntary Registration Scheme for Harmless Dyestuffs", a "Dyehouse Certification Scheme (DCS)" and a "model procedure for buying and control" to help itself to cope with the new German regulation, Mr Law said.