Biocides Guidance on exposure assessment to human health updated

An update to the Biocides Guidance on exposure assessment for human health is available (Volume III, Part B, Chapter 3). The entire Chapter 3 has been revised and the exposure assessment principles have been separated from the technical parts, such as input parameters, models, default values and the majority of the Annexes. The technical methodology is now published as a separate document called Biocides Human Health Exposure Methodology on the webpage Ad hoc Working Group – Human Exposure.

Guidance on Human Health, Assessment (Volume III, Part B) | Biocides Human Health Exposure Methodology

Updated Guidance on the compilation of safety data sheets: translations available

ECHA has published translations into 22 EU languages of the latest update to the Guidance on the compilation of safety data sheets (version 3.0). The Guidance document was updated in August 2015 to specifically take into account the end of the transitional period for labelling mixtures according to the Dangerous Preparation Directive (DPD), the need to indicate the classification of their components according to the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD) and to reflect the full implementation of the CLP regulation.

Guidance on the compilation of safety data sheets

Call for evidence on isocyanates

Germany is working on a restriction proposal and invites anyone with information on isocyanates (EC 927-229-7) to complete a short survey. The purpose is to gather information on the uses, handling and exposure of diisocyanates and diisocyanate containing products, and about alternative substances for specific applications that you might be aware of. The call will close on 1 December 2015. A possible public consultation on the restriction proposal itself will follow in due time.

Call for evidence

Public consultation on restricting Bisphenol A and PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related substances

Stakeholders are invited to comment the draft opinions of the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) concerning the restriction proposals on Bisphenol A (4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, BPA, EC 201-245-8) and pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, EC 206-397-9), its salts and PFOA-related substances. The two public consultations are open until 16 November 2015.

Restrictions under consideration

Further substances assessed by authorities

For 11 new substances, Member State authorities are carrying out an informal hazard assessment or a risk management option analysis. For dicyclohexyl phthalate (EC 201-545-9), Sweden has concluded that it is an endocrine disrupting substance and has already proposed it to be identified as a substance of very high concern (see public consultation). For copper sulphide (EC 215-271-2), ECHA has carried out a risk management option analysis and concluded that no further action is needed at this time. Check the public activities coordination table (PACT) on ECHA's website for monthly updates on which substances are undergoing informal hazard assessment or risk management option analysis by authorities.

Public activities coordination table

Conference: REACH and beyond - challenges and options for improvements

20 October 2015, Brussels

Eight EU Member States and Norway invite you to a free conference in Brussels on 20 October to discuss the need for action and possible solutions on how to improve the operation of REACH and to initiate thinking beyond REACH on our future chemicals policy. This is an opportunity to interact and engage directly with regulators on how the operation of REACH can be improved.

Event page

Information session on the new registration process

4 November 2015, Brussels

In preparation for the last REACH registration deadline, ECHA is revising the registration process in 2016. ECHA and industry associations are organising an information session to inform stakeholders on the upcoming changes, which include an updated completeness check process, changes to the IT tools (REACH-IT, IUCLID, Chesar) and making sure that there is only one registration per substance (one substance, one registration principle). Register now to get your seat.

Event page | Registration

Exchange Network on Exposure Scenarios to meet in Brussels

5-6 November 2015, Brussels

The ninth ENES meeting will give an update on the development of tools to improve communication on use and exposure in the supply chain under REACH. The tools are being developed under the CSR/ES Roadmap.

Event page

Workshop on 'Streamlining applications for authorisation'

17 November 2015, Brussels

The European Commission and ECHA are organising a workshop to further improve the functioning of the application for authorisation process. The workshop will focus on two aspects: how to make 'fit-for-purpose' applications in general and how to fulfil the information requirements for 'upstream' applications. It is a follow-up to the 'Lessons Learned' conference on applications for authorisation, held in Helsinki on 10-11 February 2015.

Event page | Register

21 October 2015, 11:00 - 12:00, Helsinki time

The webinar aims to update downstream users on recent activities that will help them use chemicals safely and fulfil their duties under REACH. The topics will include how downstream users can benefit from the latest work done to improve the information in the supply chain, how to prepare a downstream user chemical safety report and how to notify ECHA on authorised uses.

Webinar page | Agenda | Register

18 November 2015, 11:00 - 12:00, Helsinki time

Does your company have previous experience of registering chemicals under the REACH Regulation? If not, this webinar is for you. We will show you how to retrieve your pre-registrations in REACH-IT and check if your substance has been already registered. You will learn how to find the companies you need to work with to register jointly. You will also get tips on how to start cooperating in a substance information exchange forum (SIEF). A Q&A session at the end of the webinar will address any outstanding issues related to the topic. This is the second webinar of a series focusing on practical information to successfully register by the deadline of 31 May 2018.

Register | REACH 2018 web pages | REACH 2018 webinar: Know your portfolio and start preparing now