The ECHA multi-functional application exemption cannot be shaken by the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following written public consultation by the ECHA Member State Committee, and after reaching an agreement, the European Chemicals Agency will recommend adding 13 substances to the list of authorized substances in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation. The substances for which consultation is sought are: \u2022 Trichloroethylene \u2022 Chromium trioxide \u2022 Chromic acid, dichromic acid and its oligomeric chromates \u2022 Sodium dichromate \u2022 Potassium dichromate \u2022 Ammonium dichromate \u2022 Potassium chromate \u2022 Sodium chromate \u2022 Cobalt(II) sulfate \u2022 Cobalt dichloride \u2022 Cobalt(II) nitrate \u2022 Cobalt(II) carbonate \u2022 Cobalt acetate These substances are expected to be included in Annex XIV in February 2013. The recommendation includes the latest application authorization date from companies: 18 months for trichloroethylene, 21 months for chromium compounds, and two years for chromium and cobalt compounds. All dates are within 18 months from the application date.
Although ECHA has received numerous industry requests for exemptions for specific uses, the recommendations do not anticipate any such exemptions. Trichloroethylene may be exempted when used for surface cleaning in closed systems. The recommendations also cover activities that could lead to the carcinogenicity or mutagenicity of trichloroethylene at certain occupational exposure limits. If this holds true, ECHA states that existing EU law aimed at protecting workers' health from hazardous substances may need to be reviewed.
Furthermore, the recommendations consider that research-oriented products and processes related to substances do not have review periods or exemptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n