News
News
ECHA proposes a new batch of SVHCs for authorisation
ECHA/PR/14/03
The substances were prioritised because they are used in high volumes and have widespread applications which may pose a threat to human health or the environment.
Helsinki, 10 February 2014 – ECHA has recommended a new batch of substances for authorisation to the European Commission. Four of them have hazardous properties for human health being classified as carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction or respiratory sensitisers. The fifth entry comprises an SVHC which has effects to the environment due to its degradation to a substance with endocrine disrupting properties.
When finalising its recommendation ECHA took into account the comments received during public consultation last summer and the opinion of the Member State Committee from December 2013. This is ECHA's fifth recommendation of priority substances for authorisation from the Candidate List. The authorisation regime is one of the core mechanisms of REACH for the protection of human health and the environment. Making these substances of very high concern (SVHCs) subject to authorisation makes sure that their risks are properly controlled and that the substances are progressively replaced with suitable alternative substances or technologies.
The final decision on the inclusion of the substances in Annex XIV and on the dates by which companies will need to apply for authorisation to ECHA will be taken by the European Commission in collaboration with the Member States and the European Parliament.
The recommended substances, including examples of their uses in the scope of authorisation, are:
|
# |
Substance name and |
Uses in the scope of authorisation (examples) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) |
Solvent for synthesis and for production of coated textiles and synthetic fibres |
|
2 |
Diazene-1,2-dicarboxamide (C,C'-azodi(formamide)) (ADCA) |
Blowing agent in the rubber and plastics industry |
|
3 |
Aluminosilicate Refractory Ceramic Fibres (Al-RCF) [1] |
Insulation for high-temperature industries; ceramic and metal composite reinforcement; electrical and acoustic insulation |
|
4 |
Zirconia Aluminosilicate Refractory Ceramic Fibres (Zr-RCF) [1] |
Insulation for high-temperature industries; ceramic and metal composite reinforcement; electrical and acoustic insulation |
|
5 |
4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated (4-tert-Octylphenol ethoxylates) (4-tert-OPnEO) [1] |
Paints and coating products, emulsion polymerisation |
[1] The full names of these Candidate List entries, including clarification on which substances are covered, can be found on the Candidate List (see link below, under "Further information").