A closer look into ECHA’s latest REACH SVHC additions
On Jan 17th, 2023, The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recently added nine new substances to their list of substances of very high concern (SVHC). In addition to the newly added substances, the SVHC list now totals 233 substances, up from 224 currently. REACH has added these substances to the SVHC list based on the previous public consultation, which considered persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Using these criteria, chemicals may be identified as posing significant risks to human health and the environment and therefore may require further regulation. Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic to Reproduction (CMR) category 1 or 2 as per the directive 67/548/EEC Persistent, Bio accumulative and Toxic (PBT) or very Persistent and very Bio accumulative (vPvB) as per Annex XIII of REACH Any substance evaluated causing serious effects on human health or the environment The additions list includes the following nine substances: Substance Name: 4,4′-sulphonyldiphenol (bisphenol S; BPS)CAS number: 80-09-1Reason for proposal: Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c); Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) – environment); Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) – human health).Used in: Manufacture of pulp, textile, leather or fur, paper products etc. Substance Name: Perfluoro heptanoic acid and its saltsCAS number: Group compounds hence not applicableReason for proposal: Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c); PBT (Article 57d); vPvB (Article 57e); Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to human health (Article 57(f) – human health); Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to the environment (Article 57(f) – environment).Used in: stain-resistant fabrics, paper food packaging, and carpets Substance Name: MelamineCAS number: 108-78-1Reason for proposal: Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to human health (Article 57(f) – human health); Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to the environment (Article 57(f) – environment)Used in: spolymers and resins, Coating products, Adhesives and sealants, lab chemicals. Substance Name: 1,1′-[ethane-1,2-diylbisoxy]bis[2,4,6-tribromobenzene]CAS number: 37853-59-1Reason for proposal: vPvB (Article 57e)Used in: used as a flame retardant for many thermoplastic. Substance Name: 2,2′,6,6′-tetrabromo-4,4′-isopropylidenediphenolCAS number: 79-94-7Reason for proposal: Carcinogenic (Article 57a)Used in: reactive flame retardant and as an additive flame retardant in the manufacture of polymer resins, in products such as epoxy coated circuit boards, printed circuit boards and paper and textiles. Substance Name: Barium diboron tetraoxideCAS number: 13701-59-2Reason for proposal: Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c)Used in: paints and coatings. Substance Name: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate covering any of the individual isomers and/or combinations thereofCAS number: Group of compounds hence not applicableReason for proposal: vPvB (Article 57e)Used in: flame retardant, plasticizer for flexible polyvinylchloride, wire and cable insulation, carpet backing, coated fabrics etc. Substance Name: Isobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoateCAS number: 4247-02-3Reason for proposal: Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) – human health)Used in: coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, inks and toners etc. Substance Name: reaction mass of 2,2,3,3,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-4-(1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropan-2-yl) morpholine and 2,2,3,3,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-4-(heptafluoropropyl) morpholineCAS number: Group of compounds hence not applicableReason for proposal: vPvB (Article 57e)Used in: in formulation or re-packing at industrial sites and in manufacturing etc. As a whole, the addition of these nine chemicals to the REACH SVHC list is a positive step towards improving the safety of everyday products that contain chemicals. These changes require companies to be aware of the regulations and take the necessary steps to comply. With ComplianceXL, companies can easily comply with the REACH Regulation and manage compliance documentation with ease.
ECHA intends to identify another substance as SVHC
On 10th January 2023, ECHA review committee has received the request to identify Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (Diphenyl PPO) as SVHC. The European Chemicals Agency review committee intends to begin the process of identifying Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (Diphenyl PPO) as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) on the recommendation of Swedish authorities. A comprehensive impact assessment will be conducted to identify Diphenyl PPO as a SVHC, which examines its properties, uses, potential risks, as well as its economic and social impacts. To gather and assess the necessary information, ECHA review committee will work closely with Swedish authorities, industry stakeholders, and other relevant parties. Diphenyl PPO is commonly used as a flame retardant in industrial and consumer products. However, new studies have shown that it may cause endocrine disruptions and aquatic organism toxicity, which pose significant risks to human health and the environment. The Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide with CAS- 75980-60-8 and EC number- 278-355-8 is toxic for reproduction under Article 57c meets the basic check for SVHC. This substance is a yellow powder with melting range of 88-92 °C. The registry of SVHC intentions until decided aims at creating awareness among the interested parties about the plan to submit the dossiers for ECHA for proposed SVHC. The major uses of the substance proposed as lab chemicals in manufacturing of substances. Also used as photointiator in cosmetic nail preparations, printing inks as well as various coatings. The major industry affects if this SVHC is added to existing list is paint and allied industries triggering SCIP registrations along with other documentation if SVHC is more than 0.1%. The expected date of submission is 19th Jan 2023. It is critical to ensure accurate documentation and reporting to comply with REACH regulations if your company uses Diphenyl PPO in its products. REACH consultants at ComplianceXL can help you with the SVHC documentation and reporting process by providing expert guidance and support. We at ComplianceXL can help you navigate REACH smoothly and efficiently so you don’t experience unnecessary stress and delays due to Diphenyl PPO being classified as a SVHC. Talk to one of our compliance specialists today!
ECHA adds a new substance to REACH SVHC
On 10th June, 2022, The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added one more substance to its list of SVHC candidates, which was updated from 223 to 224. The newly added substance to candidate list is N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide (CAS-924-42-5) which is mainly a carcinogen as well as Mutagen. N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide is generally found as intermediate compound in thermoplastic manufacturing. Also, N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide is classified as TOXIC LIQUID, ORGANIC, N.O.S. (N-(Hydroxymethyl)acrylamide, acrylamide, formaldehyde) with UN 2810 and dangerous for transportation by road, rail and air. As a result of substance additions to the EU REACH SVHC List, if the substances are used in products above an agreed threshold, affected companies are subject to immediate obligations. ECHA must also be informed through submissions to the SCIP Database, which include notifying customers. In addition, this obligates supply chains to contact all their immediate suppliers to identify the risks due to N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide. We at ComplianceXL help organizations coordinate this process from start to finish, including coverage for the SCIP Database. We do this by supplier engagement, data collection, data validation, substance calculations, and report generation as part of our EU REACH compliance documentation services. Get in touch with us today if you would like to know more about what our company can do for you regarding EU REACH compliance needs.
REACH and RoHS: New Implications for Electronics Manufacturers
The Oeko-Institut (Institute for Applied Ecology) has issued an amended version for the report of RoHS Pack 22. Please visit Rohs News for more details. According to a recent press announcement made by EC, the next stage of REACH: “The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the revision of the REACH. The revision will aim to align EU chemical rules with the Commission’s ambitions for safe and sustainable chemicals, high levels of protection for health and the environment and preservation of the internal market. The planned REACH revision is one of the actions announced in the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.” Visit European Commission’s website to read more: REACH Regulation