ECHA has published a comprehensive update to its Guidance on requirements for substances in articles. It gives more clarity on the communication and notification obligations of companies when substances of very high concern are contained in articles.

New enforcement projects on authorisation and registration duties are planned by the Forum for 2019. Joint action with stakeholders for improving the quality of safety data sheets has also been agreed.

Inspectors in 17 European countries have checked compliance with the authorisation obligations under REACH for the use and placing on the market of 13 substances of very high concern with sunset dates in 2015. Inspections in companies that used or placed the substances on the market showed a rate of non-compliance of 10.7 % and 8.9 % respectively.

The Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) adopted their opinions on two restriction proposals on four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, DIBP and BBP) in articles and on TDFAs in sprays used by the general public. The committee also agreed on 14 draft opinions on 10 applications for authorisation and adopted one final opinion.

12 new substances now need authorisation to be used after the sunset date. The Authorisation List now contains 43 substances.