REACH
How ECHA supports companies registering low tonnage, low risk chemicals
ECHA has published a strategy on how it will support registrants to apply the Annex III criteria of REACH. Annex III was introduced in the regulation to reduce unnecessary testing on low volume and low risk phase-in substances. If registrants can demonstrate that their substance does not fulfil any of the Annex III criteria, they can register their substance with limited information.
To help registrants, ECHA will publish an inventory of substances, which are likely to fulfil the Annex III criteria. This inventory is expected to be online in May. In addition, companies can make their case for not meeting the Annex III criteria in a new template in IUCLID 6. Help for understanding the inventory and for using the template will be available by the launch of phase 4 of ECHA's REACH 2018 Roadmap ('Assess hazard and risk').
ECHA's strategy to support registrants in applying the REACH Annex III criteria
Need help with substance identification?
Have a look at our support web pages that explain in simple terms what a substance is and how you should characterise and identify your substance for REACH, CLP and biocides purposes. You will also find practical advice for a successful substance identification and sector-specific support.
Support - substance identification
Draft update to the Guidance on data sharing sent for consultation
The draft document sent to the Partner Expert Group (PEG) is now available on ECHA's website. If you are preparing to register for the REACH 2018 deadline, you can have a look at the document already now to get familiar with the changes proposed. The update of this guidance, and the changes incorporated in it, were triggered mainly by the Implementing Regulation on joint submission of data and data sharing, which entered into force in January 2016.
After the PEG consultation, the next draft of the guidance will be consulted with ECHA's Enforcement Forum and then with the competent authorities for REACH and CLP (CARACAL). Some changes to each draft can be expected as a result of the consultation. The final version is expected by the end of 2016.
Draft update | Implementing Regulation
New intentions for harmonised classification and labelling
Two new CLH intention were received:
- barium diboron tetraoxide (EC 237-222-4; CAS 13701-59-2)
- 2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4-dioctyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoate (EC 239-622-4; CAS 15571-58-1).
Two new CLH dossiers were submitted:
- carboxin (5,6-dihydro-2-methyl-1,4-oxathiine-3-carboxanilide) (EC 226-031-1; CAS 5234-68-4)
- pyridazine-3,6-diol (EC 204-619-9; CAS 123-33-1).
Current CLH intentions | Submitted CLH proposals
New intentions for restriction
The Commission has requested ECHA to prepare a restriction dossier to demonstrate that action on the use of lead in shot in wetlands beyond any measures already in place is necessary on a Union-wide basis.
At the same time, a call for evidence has been launched to provide stakeholders a chance to submit relevant information.
Current restriction intentions |
Current calls for comments and evidence
Restriction dossier for four classified phthalates submitted
ECHA submitted a proposal to restrict four classified phthalates in articles on 1 April 2016. The phthalates proposed to be restricted are bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) in articles on 1 April 2016. These four substances are on the Authorisation List and consequently ECHA had to consider whether their use in articles poses a risk to consumers. ECHA has concluded that they do pose a risk and therefore has prepared a proposal to restrict their use in articles. ECHA's Committees are currently performing a conformity check on the dossier. However, in a change to normal practice, to increase transparency and to help stakeholders prepare for the future six month public consultation on the dossier (expected mid-June 2016 if the substance passes conformity), ECHA has published the Annex XV restriction dossier on its website.
Submitted restriction proposals | ECHA's activities on restrictions
Report of the application for authorisation task force published
The task force on the workability of applications for authorisation has concluded the first phase of its work on the simplification and streamlining of the application for authorisation process. A new report outlines the task force's activities in 2014-15 and proposes objectives for its work in 2016-17 to further improve the functioning of the application for authorisation process.
Report of the AfA task force
Substitution of hazardous chemicals survey – respond by 29 April
ECHA invites industries and consultants to respond to a survey aiming to better understand the current capacity of companies to substitute hazardous chemicals and to help determine capacity building needs. This survey is made in collaboration with the European Commission's DG Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell and Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd.
Survey for industries | Survey for consultancies
Opinions of committees for two applications for authorisation available
The opinions of the Committees for Risk Assessment and Socio-economic Analysis for two uses of chromium trioxide (EC 215-607-8; 1333-82-0) by Grohe AG are available on our website.
Opinion for use 1 | Opinion for use 2
Biocides
Biocidal Products Committee adopts opinions on six active substances
The Biocidal Products Committee has adopted 15 opinions supporting the approval of six active substances for use in biocidal products used for human and veterinary hygiene and as preservatives. The active substances are: chlorocresol for product-types 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 13; ATMAC/TMAC for product-type 8; and burnt lime; hydrated lime; burnt dolomitic lime; and hydrated dolomitic lime for product-types 2 and 3.
News alert | More information about the opinions
Check the deadlines to apply for Union authorisation of biocidal products
ECHA's website lists all the active substance and product-type combinations for which a Union authorisation can be applied for in 2016 and 2017. Check the deadlines and apply in time to keep your product on the market.
News item | Deadlines
ECHA looking for an expert to assist in managing conflicts of interest
The Agency is seeking an expert for its Advisory Committee on the Management of Situations of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Applicants should express an interest by 20 May 2016.
News item
Calls for information
A call for evidence for lead and its compounds (EC number 231-100-4) has been launched. Have a look at the 16 currently open consultations on our home page.
Public consultations
Events
Workshop on socio-economic analysis in applications for authorisation and restrictions under REACH
On 29 June 2016, the European Commission together with ECHA will organise a workshop on socio-economic analysis in applications for authorisation and restriction under REACH. This event aims to clarify the role of socio-economic analysis under REACH.
Event page | Programme
Stakeholders' Day – last chance to sign up
Our Stakeholders' Day on 25 May is nearly full. We invite you to reserve your seat now. If you have signed up but your plans change, kindly cancel your booking by emailing us. As before, you will be able to follow the event online as well. Thank you also for your interest in the IT tool training on 24 May – it is now fully booked. If you are still interested in the training, you can inform us by email and we will place you on a waiting list. See you soon in Helsinki.
Event page
