June 15, 2015
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added two new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List for Authorization, bringing the total to 163 substances. As foreseen by the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), a specific procedure will be followed to decide whether the substances should also be included in the List of substances subject to authorization (Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation).
- Mixed alkyl diesters (EC 271-094-0, CAS 68515-51-5; EC 272-013-1, CAS 68648-93-1) are added to the list due to their reproductive toxicity properties where they contain ≥ 0.3% of dihexyl phthalate (EC No. 201-559-5). These substances are used for example as plasticizers and lubricants, including use in adhesives, coatings, building material, cable compounding, polymer foils, PVC compounds and artist supply (e.g. modelling clay and finger paints).
- Product with the trade name "karanal" has been added as a group entry due to very persistent and very bioaccumulative properties. Public information sources indicate that the main use of karanal is as a fragrance ingredient.
ECHA is including these two substances on the Candidate List based on proposals by Sweden and the Netherlands respectively, and following the SVHC identification process with involvement of the Member State Committee.
Why It Matters
REACH regulation requires that when a chemical substance is added to the SVHC Candidate List, producers and importers of articles containing any of the two substances included in the Candidate List have six months, from the date of inclusion to notify ECHA if both of the following conditions apply: (i) the substance is present in those articles in quantities totaling over one ton per producer or importer per year and (ii) the substance is present in those articles above a concentration of 0.1% weight by weight. Companies applying for continued use of an SVHC chemical substance must demonstrate that the risks associated with the use of these substances are adequately controlled, or that the socio-economic benefits from their use outweigh the risks. Applicants must also investigate replacing these chemical substances with safer alternatives or technologies.
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