SEAC concludes its scientific opinion for a restriction proposal on 1,4-dichlorobenzene in air fresheners and toilet blocks

SEAC concludes its scientific opinion for a restriction proposal on 1,4-dichlorobenzene in air fresheners and toilet blocks

ECHA/NA/13/21

During its 19th meeting in Helsinki, the ECHA Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) supported the ECHA proposal to restrict 1,4-dichlorobenzene in air fresheners and toilet blocks.

Helsinki, 12 June 2013 - SEAC confirmed that the proposed restriction would be the most appropriate EU-wide measure to address the identified risks for 1,4-dichlorobenzene in air fresheners and toilet blocks. SEAC's opinion is based on its previous draft opinion and the opinion of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), adopted in March 2013.

In line with RAC's opinion, SEAC supported a restriction that covers both domestic and professional uses. SEAC concurred with ECHA that the proposed restriction would result in savings due to the existence of cheaper alternatives for domestic users, although it may lead to some additional costs for professional users.

The development of the Committees opinions started on 19 June 2012 with a public consultation of the restriction proposal, submitted by ECHA at the request of the European Commission. The restriction proposal was then discussed by RAC and SEAC, taking into account the comments received during the public consultation and the advice from the Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement. To enhance the enforceability of the restriction, a transitional period of 12 months and a concentration limit of 1% were added to the original ECHA proposal.

According to the REACH Regulation, the SEAC draft opinion to restrict 1,4-dichlorobenzene in air fresheners and toilet blocks was submitted to a 60-day public consultation. No comments were received from this public consultation.

ECHA will submit the opinions of RAC and SEAC to the European Commission who will prepare the draft decision on the restriction within three months.

Including the transitional arrangement, the restriction on 1,4-dichlorobenzene could enter into force in the first part of 2015.