Chemicals are frequently used in daily consumer products. They can be found on the coating of the cookware, in the hair products, in the modelling clay that you use, and more. In recent years, there have been rising concerns about the usage and safety of those chemicals. Hence, the regulatory authorities are implementing stricter legislation to regulate the use of chemical substances in industries.
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On January 23, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published an update of the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC). With the addition of five new chemicals, the current Candidate list of SVHC now contains 240 substances.
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Additionally, the ECHA has updated the existing Candidate List entry for dibutyl phthalate to include its endocrine-disrupting properties for the environment.
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5 new substances added to the Candidate List on 23 January 2024 (ECHA/NR/24/01)
Substance name
EC number
CAS number
Reason for inclusionÂ
Examples of uses
2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol
211-89-5
732-26-3
Toxic for reproduction
Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT)
Manufacture of another substance
Formulation of mixtures
Fuel products
2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol
221-573-5
3147-75-9
Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB)
Air care products
Coating products
Adhesives and sealants
Lubricants and greases
Polishes and waxes
Washing and cleaning products
2-(dimethylamino)-2-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]-1-[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl]butan-1-one
438-340-0
119344-86-4
Toxic for reproduction
Inks and toners
Coating products
Bumetrizole
223-445-4
3896-11-5
vPvB
Coating products
Adhesives and sealants
Washing and cleaning products
Oligomerisation and alkylation reaction products of 2-phenylpropene and phenol
700-960-7
–
vPvB
Adhesives and sealants
Coating products
Fillers
Putties
Plasters
Modelling clay
Inks and toners
Polymers
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Consequences of the Candidate List
Under the EU REACH Regulation, the inclusion in the Candidate List brings immediate legal obligations for suppliers of the substance – either on its own, in mixtures or in articles. The obligations include:
– Communicating on safe use: EU or EEA suppliers of articles which contain substances on the Candidate List in a concentration above 0.1% weight by weight have to provide sufficient information to allow safe use of the article to their customers. If a consumer requests such information, EU or EEA suppliers must provide the necessary details within 45 days of receiving the request.- Notifying ECHA: EU and EEA importers and producers of articles have to notify ECHA if their article contains a Candidate List substance within six months after it has been included in the list. – Supplying a safety data sheet: EU and EEA suppliers of substances on the Candidate List must provide their customers with an up-to-date safety data sheet.
Under the EU Waste Framework Directive, companies must also notify ECHA if the articles they produce contain SVHC in a concentration above 0.1 % (weight by weight). This notification will be recorded in ECHA’s database of substances of concern in products (SCIP).
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At AQF, we have a team of technical experts who can offer you comprehensive support during your transition to new regulatory changes. Whether you need assistance with understanding the new regulations, optimizing your processes, or launching new products, our team is here to help. Contact us today to talk to our experts.
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For more information,
ECHA’s official announcement about the updated Candidate List
Candidate List of substances of very high concern for Authorisation