ECHA proposed 7 substances for Authorization
On 14th April 2021, ECHA recommended to add below 7 substances under authorization to protect people and environment. These includes cyclosiloxanes D4, D5 and D6. These are hazardous, produced in high volumes and widely used. If these products get added into Authorization list, companies need to apply for authorization for further using them. Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) – used in washing and cleaning products, polishes, waxes, manufacture of silicones such as sealants which is widely used in the industry. Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) – used in washing and cleaning products, polishes, waxes, dye additive, textile treatments and manufacture of silicones such as sealants. Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) -– used in washing and cleaning products, polishes, waxes, manufacture of silicones such as sealants which is widely used in the industry. Terphenyl, hydrogenated -used as additives in tapes, electrical insulation coatings compounds, epoxy resins, polyurethane, electric cables, polysulphide sealants, heat transfer fluid, as a plasticiser in high voltage power cables and aircraft sealants. Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) – used as a plasticiser in polymers like PVC, additives in resins, paints and varnishes and also in water resistance in inks. Disodium octaborate -used in paints, lubricants, adhesive and construction material. Benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2-anhydride (trimellitic anhydride, TMA) – this does not have any used under authorization scope. But, included to avoid substitution in epoxy resin hardeners. Directly or indirectly, you will be affected by this authorization, talk to one of experts to understand how you can simply REACH Compliance management. Read more about the ECHA Proposal here
ECHA working to make Drinking water safe
On 10 th Jan 2020, ECHA announced that they are working on developing a positive list of substances that can be safely used in materials that come into contact with drinking water. It will improve consumer protection and ensure equal safety standards for the industry. The first positive list containing around 1500 chemicals, is expected to be adopted by the EuropeanCommission by 2024. This list is based on the existing list in the member states. ECHA will reassess,prioritise, review the list and will recommend expiry dates for them. This will be based on thehazardous properties and as well as the quality of the substance. This important consideration in the regulation comes to improve the quality and supply of drinking water and also the confidence in tap water. With this regulation, ECHA wants to ensure that only safe substances can be used in pipes and taps in contact with water. This will minimise the harmful effects of pollution on both human health and natural resources, in line with the European Green Deal. The introduction of this full risk-based approach would improve coherence with the Water Framework Directive and helps to identify potential contamination sources, to reduce risks and therefore to better focus treatment and monitoring efforts. The implementation will be carried out in collaboration with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) since water is closely related to food contact materials. The regulation is expected to tackle emerging pollutants such as microplastics, endocrine disruptors as well as new types of chemicals (PFAs). If any of the companies want to keep their substance in the positive list, they need to submit a review application to ECHA. They can also apply if they want to add new substances to the list. Are you affected by this upcoming regulation? Talk to one of our ECHA Compliance Experts to learn more and do an assessment.