Restricting the placing on the market of mixtures and articles where concentration is equal to or greater than 10 ppm (0.001 % by weight).
The first condition shall not apply to mixtures and articles where the bisphenols in the scope of the restriction are either covalently bound to any type of matrix (i.e. via functioning as a cross-linker) or are used as intermediates in the manufacture of polymers, and for which

i. contact to aqueous media in any form (i.e. also cleaning) can be excluded during their reasonable and foreseeable use throughout their service life or

ii. the migration limit in the respective mixtures and articles does not exceed 0.04 mg/L over the entire service life.

Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor for environmental organisms. Continuous emission into surface water via wastewater treatment results in constant pollution of surface water bodies. To avoid regrettable substitution of Bisphenol A, especially with regard to drop-in alternatives, it is planned to also address other bisphenols of concern, including derivatives (i.e. those that exhibit similar concern for the environment based on their structural similarity and hazardous properties for the environment). The restriction is seen as an emission reduction measure. This is necessary because of the specific hazard associated with the substance(s). Continuous emissions into the environment via waste treatment plant occur. Peak emissions were determined e.g. near paper recycling/production plants and professional laundries. Traffic security systems often contain recycled material and show high residues leaching directly into the environment. Products containing BPA (indoor and outdoor use) may lead to continuous releases into wastewater treatment plants. A restriction is proposed as authorisation would not address releases from imported articles. Additionally, alternative bisphenols with similar concern have increasingly been used as substitutes for Bisphenol A. Taking into account recent observations, it can be assumed that if the amount of Bisphenol A for e.g. a process decreases, the amount of alternative bisphenols increases at the same rate. Therefore, the scope of this restriction aims to also address bisphenols of similar concern for the environment.

Update 09/03/2022

The proposal was notified to be submitted on 08/04/2022 but has been postponed until 07/10/2022.

Opinion development

27-Aug-2021

07-Oct-2022

14-Oct-2020

15-Feb-2021

22-Oct-2021

22-Dec-2021

21-Dec-2022

25-Jan-2023

22-Jun-2023

10-Mar-2023

07-Oct-2020