New consultations for harmonised classification and labelling launched

ECHA has launched two public consultations on harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) proposals for isopropyl (2E,4E,7S)-11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate; S-methoprene (CAS 65733-16-6) and acetaldehyde; ethanal (CAS 75-07-0).

S-methoprene does not have an existing harmonised classification and the dossier submitter, Ireland, proposes environmental classification. S-methoprene is used in biocidal products as an insecticide.

Acetaldehyde; ethanal has an existing harmonised classification, including for carcinogenicity. The Netherlands proposes to upgrade the existing classification for carcinogenicity and also to add germ cell mutagenicity. Acetaldehyde is common in nature as a plant metabolite (e.g. in coffee, bread and ripe fruit). In humans it is produced in small amounts, for instance, during the breakdown of ethanol. It is also present in tobacco smoke and in workplace, indoors, and ambient environments. It is largely manufactured as an intermediate in the production of industrial chemicals, products and articles as well as to process or preserve food products.

The final date for submitting comments for both substances is 11 September 2015.

Current CLH consultations

Registry of Intentions updated

Harmonised classification and labelling

One new intention for harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) was added to the Registry of Intentions for the substance octhilinone (ISO); 2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (EC 247-761-7).

Three dossiers for harmonised classification and labelling were submitted for the following substances: 2,2'-methylenebis(6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol) (EC 403-800-1) and Dibenzo[b,def]chrysene; Dibenzo[a,h]pyrene (EC 205-878-0) submitted by Germany and 1-vinylimidazole (EC 214-012-0) submitted by industry.

Current CLH intentions | Submitted CLH proposals

Restrictions

A new intention to restrict manufacturing and industrial use of N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) (EC 200-679-5), has been submitted by Italy. The previous intention was withdrawn as Italy did not re-submit their dossier following RAC and SEAC's decision on non-conformity.

Current Restriction intentions

Notify if you supply in situ generated biocidal active substances

Active substances generated in situ have been redefined to specify the precursors from which the active substance is generated. Suppliers of active substances generated in situ from other precursors can now notify ECHA to have their precursor-active substance system included in the review programme.

News alert published on 27 April 2015 | In situ generated active substances | Substances with a redefined identity

Public consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on restricting decaBDE

Stakeholders are invited to comment the draft opinion of the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) concerning the restriction proposal on decaBDE (EC 214-604-9). The public consultation includes two specific questions related to automotive and recycling sectors. If you have information on decaBDE related to these sectors please comment on the draft opinion by 17 August.

Submitted restrictions under consideration

Board of Appeal

Board of Appeal decision on the legality of a statement of non-compliance (SONC)

Case A-019-2013 concerned a substance previously notified under the Dangerous Substances Directive. In response to a request for further information from the Belgian authorities, the appellant provided a dossier update including an adaptation. The Agency subsequently issued a SONC to the Belgian authorities indicating that the registration was non-compliant.

In its decision, the Board of Appeal annulled the SONC as it found that the Agency had in practice adopted a fresh decision on the basis of substantial new information provided by the appellant. Therefore, in this case, the Board of Appeal found that the Agency should have followed the decision-making process set out in the REACH Regulation.

Decisions of the Board of Appeal

Why opt for substitution? Register for our webinar

22 September 2015, 11:00 – 12:30, Helsinki (EEST, GMT +3)

Replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives can bring substantial benefits to the company, the environment and the health of workers and consumers – all good reasons to opt for substitution. An additional driver comes from the chemicals legislation. Companies using substances that have been identified as SVHCs under REACH have to decide whether to apply for permission to continue using these toxic substances for a limited period of time or to substitute them with safer alternatives.

ECHA and a group of accredited stakeholder organisations will organise a series of webinars aiming to inspire companies to substitute hazardous chemicals and explain how it can be done. All webinars include examples of real life substitution projects. This is the first webinar in the series.

Register | Agenda

Workshop on Applications for authorisation for "Process Chemicals"

23 September 2015, 9:00 - 17:00, Brussels

The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and the European Association of Metals (Eurometaux) are organising a workshop, in association with ECHA and the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), on the 23 September in Brussels on fit-for-purpose applications for authorisation for "process chemicals". The workshop will explore chemical safety assessment, analysis of alternatives and socio-economic analysis, and will comprise both plenary and breakout sessions.

Programme | Event page

Biocides Stakeholders' Day – new guest speakers bring practical advice to companies

1 September 2015, Helsinki

Our new guest speakers include Flore Cognat from the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) who will present Article 95 implications for industry, Stefaan Verschaeve from SOPURA S.A. who will explain their experience in preparing an application for Union authorisation and Daniëlle van Corven-Kloosterman from Sealed Air Diversey Care who will give an industry view on in situ generated active substances.

Participation to the conference is free-of-charge but places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis, so register now to ensure yours.

Industry participants will have a chance to book one-to-one sessions with ECHA staff on topical biocides issues. Further information for booking a slot will be sent to all registered participants ahead of the event.

The conference will be web-streamed live. A link to join the web-stream will be available on the ECHA home page 24 hours before the event.

Register | Programme | Event page