Highlights from June RAC and SEAC meetings

The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) adopted its opinions on the harmonised classification and labelling of glyphosate and silver, and on restricting lead in ammunition for hunting, outdoor sports shooting and fishing. The Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) adopted its opinion on restricting Dechlorane Plus.

Helsinki, 9 June 2022 – Altogether, RAC adopted 10 opinions on harmonised classification and labelling, including glyphosate and silver. It also concluded its final opinion on ECHA’s proposal to restrict lead in ammunition for hunting, outdoor sports shooting and in fishing, while SEAC agreed its draft opinion on the same proposal. A 60-day consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion will start on 29 June 2022.

On glyphosate, RAC agreed to keep the current classification as causing serious eye damage and being toxic to aquatic life. More details are available in the news. On restricting lead, RAC and SEAC both support the proposal but suggest some modifications. Some of SEAC’s considerations require more information to conclude on the potential impacts of the restriction. See more in the respective news for RAC and SEAC.

SEAC adopted its opinion on Norway’s proposal to restrict Dechlorane Plus, confirming its considerations that a restriction is, in general, an appropriate EU-wide measure to address the identified risks. SEAC considers that any of the restriction options proposed could be proportionate in terms of the benefits and costs to society. SEAC, however, noted that there are clear differences between the different options in terms of their marginal cost-effectiveness. RAC adopted its opinion on the same restriction in March 2022.

RAC concluded its opinion supporting ECHA’s proposal to restrict 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) in products (articles). SEAC also supports the restriction in its draft opinion. The proposal would effectively ban the supply and use of the substance in products imported into the EU market. 2,4-DNT may cause cancer and has been included in the REACH Authorisation List since 2011. A 60-day consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion will start on 15 June.

Moreover, RAC and SEAC agreed on 10 opinions on applications for authorisation and two opinions on review reports from companies wishing to renew their authorisations.

More about these and other topics can be found in the annex. Listen also to the highlights from the meetings in our podcast, where committee chairs Tim Bowmer and Maria Ottati share their reflections.