ECHA Committees Recommend New Restrictions, Authorizations and CLH

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September 25, 2018Scott StephensBlog

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) committees have been busy in September making new recommendations for substance restrictions, authorizations and harmonized classification and labeling (CLH).

Harmonized classification and labeling
The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) recently adopted 14 opinions for harmonized classification and labeling, including opinions on two fragrances, citral and geraniol, for skin sensitization; two organotin stabilizers used in plastics; an azole fungicide for reproductive toxicity; as well as other pesticides and biocides. Following is the complete list of these substances for which RAC adopted opinions:

  • Tribenuron-methyl (ISO);
  • Dichlorodioctylstannane;
  • Trimethoxy(methyl)silane;
  • Sodium N-(hydroxymethyl)glycinate;
  • Flupyradifurone;
  • Hymexazol (ISO);
  • 2-butoxyethanol;
  • Geraniol;
  • Citral;
  • Dioctyltin dilaurate;
  • Mesotrione (ISO);
  • Mecetronium ethyl sulphate;
  • Pyrithione zinc; and
  • Butanone oxime.

Aerospace and defense authorizations
RAC and the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) also discussed and adopted six opinions on applications for authorization on uses of chromium trioxide, dichromium tris(chromate), strontium chromate, and pentazinc chromate octahydroxide in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Perfluorinated substance restrictions
Moreover, RAC and SEAC agreed to the proposal to restrict the manufacturing, use, placing on the market and import of a group of perfluorinated substances C9-C14 PFCAs (PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTrDA, PFTDA), and their salts and precursors within the EU. In addition, the two committees issued opinions supporting a request for an additional derogation to the existing restriction of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related substances.

Committees
RAC and SEAC are responsible for preparing ECHA’s opinions on applications for authorization and proposals for restrictions; RAC is also tasked with providing opinions on proposals for harmonized classification and labeling.

RAC prepares opinions on specific questions relating to risks of chemicals to human health or the environment, while SEAC issues opinions on specific questions relating to socio-economic issues. At the ECHA executive director’s request, both committees may also provide opinions on any other aspects concerning the safety of substances.

Next steps
The final decision for proposals for restrictions and harmonized classification and labeling, as well as on applications for authorization, will be taken by the European Commission through a committee procedure.








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