Committees

The Committee for Risk Assessment evaluates 12 applications for authorisation of trichloroethylene, adopts one restriction proposal and six opinions for harmonised classification and labelling

During its plenary meeting, the committee examined 12 applications for authorisation on 17 uses of trichloroethylene and consequently agreed on 11 draft opinions and adopted one restriction proposal on ammonium salts in cellulose insulation materials. During the CLH session, RAC adopted six opinions for harmonised classification and labelling. The committee also agreed on carcinogenicity dose response relationships for MOCA and technical MDA from Annex XIV.

Additonally, RAC continued its deliberations on the French proposal to restrict bisphenol A (BPA) used as a dye developer in thermal paper used, for example, in point-of-sale tickets and receipts.

News alert | Annex

The Committee for Socio-economic Analysis concludes on three restriction proposals and examines 12 applications for authorisation of trichloroethylene

During its plenary meeting, the committee adopted two final opinions – on restriction proposals on cadmium and its compounds in artists' paints and on chrysotile - and agreed on its draft opinion on the restriction proposal on ammonium salts in cellulose insulation materials. Furthermore, the committee examined 12 applications for authorisation on 17 uses of trichloroethylene and consequently agreed on 16 draft opinions on the applications for authorisation.

News alert | Annex

New consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on restriction proposal for inorganic ammonium salts

ECHA has launched a public consultation on the draft opinion of the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) on the restriction proposal from France on inorganic ammonium salts in cellulose insulation materials. The deadline for comments is 18 May 2015. SEAC will consider these comments in its final opinion. In June 2015, ECHA will submit the opinions of RAC and SEAC to the European Commission.

Restrictions under consideration

Public consultation on a proposed restriction on methanol

Poland has submitted a report proposing a restriction on the placing on the market for the supply to the general public of windshield washing fluids and denaturated alcohol containing methanol in concentrations equal to or greater than 3% by weight.

The proposed restriction intends to eliminate poisoning caused by ingestion of windshield washing fluids and denaturated alcohol containing methanol in high concentrations. Individuals chronically abusing alcohol are known to consume these products as a surrogate for ethanol due to their lower prices. Ingestion of methanol may cause permanent blindness and death.

The consultation is open from 18 March 2015 to 18 September 2015. ECHA's scientific committees welcome early comments by 18 May 2015 to assist them in the first discussions of the restriction proposal.

Restrictions under consideration

Top tips for the CLP 2015 deadline - Act now, classify and label your chemicals

Do you know what you need to do to comply with the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation? Are you aware of the impact the CLP deadline on 1 June 2015 has on your company? ECHA Newsletter has gathered some frequently asked questions related to the CLP deadline to help you in your preparations. Get to know the CLP requirements and implement them.

Top tips for the CLP 2015 deadline | Campaign materials | CLP video on ECHA's YouTube channel EUchemicals

Revised working procedure for biocidal active substance approval now online

The revised version of the working procedure, agreed at the ninth plenary meeting of the Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) in February, has been published. Compared to previous versions, it clarifies responsibilities, actors and timelines and includes a few additional elements.

News item | Working procedure for active substance approval

ECHA clarifies how to report substances used in hydraulic fracturing

The Agency is clarifying how companies can report more explicitly the use of substances in the exploration or extraction of oil and gas using hydraulic fracturing techniques.

News item | Annex

Workshop on the use of REACH/CLP information at industrial sites

This workshop will discuss with stakeholders how information generated through the REACH and CLP processes can be used to promote the safe use of chemicals at industrial sites. The objectives are to explore how the data generated by REACH and CLP can support companies in complying with their obligations under other legislations, how that use of information can be improved and how to increase the awareness of industrial users of chemicals on the REACH/CLP data.

The workshop is limited in size to promote discussion and participation is by invitation. The first announcement with a request for expression of interest has been sent to representatives of authorities and industry.

For any event related enquiries, contact us at: downstream_users@echa.europa.eu.

Event page

Topical Scientific Workshop on Soil Risk Assessment - first announcement and call for expression of interest

7-8 October 2015, Helsinki

The topical scientific workshops of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) aim to foster discussions among academia, regulators, industry and other stakeholders on the possible regulatory impacts that the latest scientific developments may have. The Topical Scientific Workshop on Soil Risk Assessment will be arranged in cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). An anticipated outcome of this workshop is the emergence of new or improved approaches which may be applied in the implementation of the relevant European regulations.

If you are an expert in soil risk assessment, please express your interest in participating using the following link by 15 April 2015.

Event page