The Biocidal Products Committee adopts seven opinions

The Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) met for the twelfth time from 30 September to 1 October 2015. The adopted six opinions are for peracetic acid used in biocidal products, for example as disinfectants and in-can preservatives. The BPC also adopted one opinion in line with Article 75 (1)(g) on sulfuryl fluoride. Four other opinions are expected to be adopted following written consultation.

News alert | More information about the adopted opinions (Annex)

Stay up-to-date with upcoming biocides deadlines

The 'Upcoming deadlines' page has been updated on 1 October with new notifications possibilities due to redefinitions and the withdrawal of all former participants.

Upcoming deadlines

The Article 95 list of active biocidal substance and product suppliers updated

Companies making biocidal products available on the market have to ensure that either their substance, product suppliers or themselves are included in the Article 95 list. Updated list of them is now available.

List of active substances and suppliers | List of pending applications

New consultations for harmonised classification and labelling launched

ECHA has launched public consultations on the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for 1,2-dihydroxybenzene; pyrocatechol (EC 204-427-5) and sodium hypochlorite, solution ... % Cl active (EC 231-668-3).

Pyrocatechol is a major intermediate for synthesis of molecules for agrochemical use. It is an intermediate for perfumes, cosmetics and aromas. It is also used in various areas such as: anticorrosion agent; antioxidant for rubber, olefins and polyofins, polyurethanes; therapeutic agent; bonding agents; tanning agent, synthetic tannins or photography; catalysts.

Sodium hypochlorite is used mainly in chemical synthesis, for bleaching, for cleaning, disinfection and sanitation in household, for municipal water and sewage disinfection. It is also approved as an active substance in plant protection products in the EU.

The final date for submitting comments for both substances is 23 November 2015.

Current CLH consultations

Registry of Intentions updated

Restrictions

On 2 October 2015, Denmark submitted an Annex XV restriction dossier on (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)silanetriol and any of its mono-, di- or tri-O-(alkyl) derivatives.

Submitted Restriction proposals

Germany plans to submit a Restriction dossier on diisocyanates. The expected submission date is on 15 July 2016.

Current Restriction intentions

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. The event will bring together high level representatives from the Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission, as well as industry associations and consumer and environmental organisations. 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 now 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

Downstream user update

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

REACH 2018 webinar: Find your co-registrants and prepare to work together

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