On June 1, 2009, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) proposed for the first time to ban the sale or use of 7 substances in the EU market, except for those with licenses.
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) drafted a list of 15 "Substances of Very High Concern" (SVHCs) on October 28, 2008. It believed that the harmfulness of these substances must be evaluated and ultimately restricted in the Sale and use on the EU market. ECHA has selected 7 substances among these 15 substances that should be prioritized for authorization and control. SVHCs include Category 1 or 2 substances that are carcinogenic, teratogenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR); persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances; or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances; or scientific evidence Substances that have been shown to cause equally severe effects on humans or the environment, such as endocrine disruptors. The seven substances that should be prioritized for authorization include:
1. Musk xylene (very persistent and very bioaccumulative). Fragrance enhancer for dish soap, fabric softener, etc.
2. 4,4′-Diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA) (carcinogenic). Hardener for epoxy resins, adhesives, etc.
3. Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic; very persistent and very bioaccumulative). It is mostly used as a flame retardant or plasticizer in high-performance rubber, sealants, paints and textile coatings.
4. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) (persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity). Mostly used as flame retardant for polypropylene.
5. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (reproductive toxicity). Used as a plasticizer in a variety of PVC and other polymer products (e.g. flooring, roofing, coated fabrics, medical equipment).
6. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) (reproductive toxicity). Plasticizers for polymer products, especially PVC for floor coverings, textile and leather coatings, and various preparations such as sealants, coatings, inks or adhesives.
7. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (reproductive toxicity). Specialized plasticizer for use in a variety of polymer products.
Some of the above-mentioned substances have been restricted by regulations. For example, toys sold in the EU market must not contain phthalates such as DEHP, BBP and DBP.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommends that, except for short-chain chlorinated paraffins, none of the other above-mentioned substances can obtain individual use exemptions. Preparations for metal working or leather fatliquing may contain short-chain chlorinated paraffins in concentrations up to 1%. In all other cases, companies must submit individual applications to the European Chemical Agency.
The European Commission will make the final decision on whether to list the above seven substances as subject to authorization. If so, these substances will be added to the list of substances subject to authorization in Annex 14 of the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals Regulations (REACH Regulation), and cannot be used unless approved by the European Chemical Agency for specific purposes.
– Reference source: Hong Kong Trade Development Network 2009-06-12
