The EU REACH Committee recently adopted four restrictions: limiting the use of cadmium, lead in jewelry, phenylmercuric compounds, and mercury in measuring instruments. A detailed review will be conducted over the next three months, with publication expected in the Official Journal of the European Union in mid-August.
Proposal to limit the use of cadmium
In October 2010, the European Union proposed amendments to the cadmium restriction regulations under Annex 17 of the REACH Regulation. On May 21, 2011, EU Regulation (EC) 494/2011 amended the cadmium restriction regulations and published them in the Official Journal of the European Union. The latest revised REACH came into effect on December 10, 2011. The new regulations expanded the scope of cadmium restrictions, stipulating that cadmium can be present in certain polymers, but the content of cadmium or its compounds must not exceed or equal to the weight percentage of cadmium.0.01%.
Proposal to limit the use of lead in jewelry
Jewelry products must contain less than 0.05% by weight of lead or its compounds. Jewelry products include:
• Bracelets, necklaces, and rings
• Watches and wristbands
• Brooches and cufflinks
Exempt items are as follows:
• Crystal glass as defined in Annex 1 (categories 1-4) of Directive 69/493/EEC
• Internal structural components of watchmaking products that are not directly exposed to the consumer
• Non-synthetic or recycled precious and decorative gemstones, except those treated with lead or its compounds (mixtures)
• Jewelry manufactured before December 10, 1961
• Jewelry sold within 12 months of the effective date of this regulation
Proposal to restrict the use of mercury measuring instruments
The restrictions on mercury use in industrial and professional measuring instruments will take effect 18 months after being formally published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The instruments covered by these restrictions include barometers, hygrometers, pressure gauges, sphygmomanometers, deformation measuring instruments used in conjunction with volume recorders, tensiometers, thermometers, and other non-electronic temperature measuring instruments. The restrictions also specify permissible use in certain specific environments.
Proposal to limit the use of phenylmercuric compounds
This proposal, initially put forward by Norway, aims to restrict the use of phenylmercuric compounds as catalysts in polyurethane coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. The substance must contain less than 0.01% phenylmercuric compound by weight. This restriction proposal will be implemented for five years after its enactment and primarily covers the following five substances:
醋酸苯汞（Phenylmercury acetate）
丙酸苯汞（Phenylmercury propionate）
異辛酸苯汞（Phenylmercury 2-ethylhexanoate）
辛酸苯汞（Phenylmercuric octanoate）
新癸酸苯汞（Phenylmercury neodecanoate
Sources: Chemical Watch (2012-04-24) Compiled by PIDC
