On June 1, 2009, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) made its first recommendation to ban the sale or use of seven substances in the EU market, with the exception of licensees.
On October 28, 2008, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) drafted a list of 15 "Substances of Very High Concern" (SVHCs), deeming it necessary to assess the harmfulness of these substances and ultimately restrict their sale and use in the EU market. ECHA selected seven substances from these 15 for priority authorization for regulation. SVHCs include substances classified as Group 1 or 2 carcinogenic, teratogenic, or reproductively toxic (CMR); persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) substances; or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances; or substances for which scientific evidence suggests they may cause equally serious effects on humans or the environment, such as endocrine disruptors. The seven substances for priority authorization for regulation include:
1. Xylene (very persistent and very bioaccumulative). Used as a fragrance enhancer in detergents, fabric softeners, etc.
2. 4,4′-Diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA) (carcinogenic). Used as a hardener in epoxy resins and adhesives.
3. Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) (Persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity; very persistent and very bioaccumulative). They are often used as flame retardants or plasticizers in high-performance rubbers, sealants, paints, and textile coatings.
4. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) (Persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity). Primarily used as a flame retardant for polypropylene.
5. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (reproductive toxicity). Used as a plasticizer in a variety of polyvinyl chloride and other polymer products (e.g., flooring, roofing panels, coated fabrics, medical devices).
6. Butyl phthalate (BBP) (reproductive toxicity). A plasticizer used in polymer products, particularly in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring, textile and leather coatings, and various formulations such as sealants, coatings, inks, or adhesives.
7. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (reproductive toxicity). A specialized plasticizer used in a variety of polymer products.
Some of the substances mentioned above are already subject to regulations. For example, toys sold in the EU market are not allowed to contain phthalates such as DEHP, BBP, and DBP.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommends that, with the exception of short-chain chlorinated paraffins, none of the aforementioned substances should be granted exemptions for specific uses. Formulations used in metal processing or leather fatliquoring may contain a maximum concentration of 1% short-chain chlorinated paraffins. For all other cases, companies must submit individual applications to the ECHA.
The European Commission will make the final decision on whether to include the seven substances in the list of substances requiring authorization for use. If so, these substances will be added to the list of substances requiring authorization for use in Annex 14 of the REACH Regulation, and will not be allowed to be used unless authorized for a specific purpose by the European Chemicals Agency.
– Reference source: Hong Kong Trade Development Council website, 2009-06-12
