ECHA Weekly - 11 October 2023

REACH

New QSAR assessment framework supports alternatives to animal testing

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has published the framework for assessing quantitative-structure activity relationships (QSAR) studies, used as an animal-free method to gain data on chemicals. ECHA and the Italian National Institute of Health, ISS, have led the expert group that developed the framework.

New restriction intention submitted

France submitted an intention to restrict the placing on the market of mixtures containing octocrilene (EC 228-250-8) on 4 October 2023. The restriction proposal will be submitted on 4 October 2024.

Call for evidence: screening report on diglyme

We are looking for comments on a draft screening report, and for relevant information on bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether (EC 203-924-4) in products (articles).

As required by REACH Article 69(2), we are investigating whether the use of this substance in articles is adequately controlled, and if a restriction is needed.

Have your say until 22 November 2023.

New intention to identify a substance of very high concern

One intention has been received for:

• Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide (EC 201-279-3; CAS 80-43-3)

Workshop materials online: Results of the Forum project on REACH authorisation

In May 2023, we organised a workshop for stakeholders and industry representatives on the findings of the EU-wide enforcement project that focused on the REACH authorisation obligations. You can now find the presentations and overall conclusions from this workshop on our website.

Assessment of regulatory needs report published

A report for the following substance group is now available on our website:

• Benzene and its derivatives with linear aliphatic substituents

If you have questions or feedback related to the assessment work, you can send them to us using this webform.

Biocides

Registration extended: Online training SPC-IUCLID for industry users

As of the end of 2023, companies will need to prepare their summary of product characteristics using IUCLID instead of SPC Editor.

Due to the high interest for the training on 24 October 2023, we have adapted its content to accommodate more participants. We have also extended the deadline for registration until 13 October 2023.

After joining this information session, you will have all information needed to use the new tool.

ECHA

Website maintenance on 17-18 October

Our websites will not be accessible between 17 October 2023 from 17:00 and 18 October 2023 until 08:00 Helsinki time due to maintenance work.

This will not affect ECHA's tools so you can continue using them as usual.

Webinars

Poison centre notifications: ensuring compliance for industrial use mixtures

The compliance date of 1 January 2024 for the industrial use only mixtures is approaching. Follow our webinar to get an overview of the changes to the CLP Regulation and their potential impact on poison centre notifiers.

You will also find out more about the submission format, tools, and support that we offer. Join us on 14 November 2023 at 11:00-13:00 Helsinki time.

Occupational exposure limits

RAC opinion on the scientific evaluation of occupational exposure limits

We have published the opinion of our Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) for:

• 2,3-epoxypropyl methacrylate (glycidyl methacrylate).

Others

Corrigendum: date for the Fifth Annual Forum on Endocrine Disruptors

The European Commission's annual Forum on Endocrine Disruptors takes place in Brussels and online on 19-20 October 2023. In last week's edition, we incorrectly stated that the event takes place in December.

You can still register to join the event. To participate onsite, register before 13 October 2023. To join online, you can register until 19 October 2023.

REACH Committee meeting in October – agenda available

The next meeting of the European Commission’s REACH Committee will take place on 25 October 2023.

EU Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON)

A new study identifies models and tools for computational safety assessment of nanomaterials

EUON has published a study that analyses read-across and in silico approaches as alternative methods to conventional hazard and risk assessments for nanomaterials. It also includes expert opinions and relevant case studies.