Updated CSR/ES Roadmap implementation plan available

The recently published updated second implementation plan of the CSR/ES Roadmap illustrates the progress done in the field so far. The plan outlines the priority areas of work until March 2016 and contains a review of the work accomplished so far. The document also contains links to finalised products and updated contact details for on-going projects.

Chemical safety report/Exposure scenario roadmap web page | Updated second implementation plan

Improved registration and substance identification web pages

Updates to ECHA's website have improved the usability of the Regulations section. The restructured registration pages give easier access to information on data sharing, product and process orientated research and development (PPORD) and information requirements. The substance identification pages have also been revamped.

The pages are useful for companies looking to register for the 2018 deadline. The updated content is available in 23 EU languages.

Registration page | Substance identification page

Consultations on harmonised classification and labelling

ECHA has launched public consultations on the harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) proposals for:

• Reaction mass 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (3:1) (CAS 55965-84-9) is used as a biocidal product. France proposes revising the current entry for human health and environmental hazards. The final date for submitting comments is 24 August 2015.
• 2-methylisothiazol-3(2H)-one (MIT) (EC 220-239-6) is a widely used preservative in cosmetics and body care products and in household and industrial (e.g. metalworking fluids) products. MIT is a broad spectrum antimicrobial substance showing bactericidal and fungicidal activity. MIT does not have an existing entry in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation. Slovenia, is proposing human health and environmental classifications. The final date for submitting comments is 28 August 2015.

ECHA has also launched additional targeted public consultations on the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for:

• Supplementary information related to developmental toxicity of salicylic acid (EC 200-712-30) was submitted by the dossier submitter after the previous public consultation. Interested parties are invited to comment on the possible classification of salicylic acid for developmental toxicity by 24 July 2015.
• The CLH dossier for methylhydrazine (EC 200-471-4) was submitted by the Netherlands. ECHA is launching this additional public consultation on the possible classification of methylhydrazine for carcinogenicity based on supplementary data from other hydrazines submitted after the previous public consultation. Parties concerned are invited to submit comments by 31 July 2015.

Additional information, documents and a dedicated webform for posting comments are available on ECHA's website.

Current CLH consultations

Nine new risk management option analysis conclusions and one hazard assessment outcome received

Ireland has prepared a risk management option analysis (RMOA) for quinoline (EC 202-051-6), which concludes that there is no need for further action at this time.

Austria has prepared an RMOA for nitrobenzene (EC 202-716-0), which concludes that inclusion in the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for Authorisation is the most appropriate follow-up action.

Germany has prepared RMOAs for:

• 1,7,7-trimethyl-3-(phenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one (3-Benzylidenecamphor, EC 239-139-9)
• (±)-1,7,7-trimethyl-3-[(4-methylphenyl)methylene]bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one (4-Methylbenzylidenecamphor, EC 253-242-6)
• 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(tert-butyl)-6-(sec-butyl)phenol (UV-350, EC 253-037-1)
• 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(5-chlorobenzotriazol-2-yl)phenol (UV-327, EC 223-383-8).

For all four the conclusion is that inclusion in the Candidate List for Authorisation is the most appropriate follow-up action.

The Netherlands has prepared three RMOAs. For dimethyltin dichloride (EC 212-039-2), the RMOA concludes that setting an Occupational Exposure Limit under EU worker protection legislation is the most appropriate regulatory risk management. For dichlorodioctylstannane (EC 222-583-2), the conclusion is that there is no need for further action at this time. For 2,4,6-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)cyclotrisiloxane (EC 219-154-7), the RMOA concludes that the most appropriate follow-up action is the adoption of a harmonised classification and labelling (CLH).

Finally, Belgium has finalised the hazard assessment for PBT properties of O-(p-isocyanatobenzyl)phenyl isocyanate (EC 227-534-9). According to the authority's assessment, the substance is not persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB). The conclusion and outcome documents are published in the Public Activities Coordination Tool (PACT).

PACT – RMOA and hazard assessment activities

Registry of Intentions updated

Substances of very high concern

Seven new SVHC intentions were added to the Registry of Intentions.

Austria plans to submit an SVHC dossier on nitrobenzene (EC 202-716-0). The expected submission date is 3 August 2015.

Germany plans to submit SVHC dossiers on 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(5-chlorobenzotriazol-2-yl)phenol (UV-327, EC 223-383-8) and 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(tert-butyl)-6-(sec-butyl)phenol (UV-350, EC 253-037-1). For these two dossiers the expected submission date is 3 August 2015.

In addition, Germany plans to submit SVHC dossiers on 1,7,7-trimethyl-3-(phenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one (3-Benzylidenecamphor, EC 239-139-9) and (±)-1,7,7-trimethyl-3-[(4-methylphenyl)methylene]bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one (4-Methylbenzylidenecamphor, EC 253-242-6). For these dossiers the expected submission date is 1 February 2016.

Sweden plans to submit SVHC dossiers on 4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol (EC 216-036-7) and 4,4'-methylenediphenol (EC 210-658-2). Also for these dossiers the expected submission date is 1 February 2016.

Current SVHC intentions

Why opt for substitution? Register for our webinar

22 September 2015, 11:00 – 12:30, Helsinki (EEST, GMT +3)

Replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives can bring substantial benefits to the company, the environment and the health of workers and consumers – all good reasons to opt for substitution. An additional driver comes from the chemicals legislation. Companies using substances that have been identified as SVHCs under REACH, have to decide whether to apply for a permission to continue using these toxic substances for a limited period of time or to substitute them with safer alternatives.

ECHA and a group of accredited stakeholder organisations have organised a series of webinars aiming to inspire companies to substitute hazardous chemicals and explain how it can be done. All webinars include examples of real life substitution projects. This is the first webinar in the series.

Register | Agenda

Biocides Stakeholders' Day – register today

1 September 2015, Helsinki

This year's conference will bring more views from industry and the Member States who will share their experiences of working with the Biocidal Products Regulation since its entry into operation. The European Commission will also present upcoming regulatory developments. Other guest speakers include the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (CTGB), Chemours Chemical Solutions and Sealed Air Diversey Care who will cover topics such as Article 95, preparing an application for Union authorisation and in-situ generated active substances.

Participation to the conference is free-of-charge but places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis, so register now to ensure yours.

Industry participants will have a chance to book one-to-one sessions with ECHA staff on topical biocides issues. Further information for booking a slot will be sent to all registered participants ahead of the event. The conference will be web-streamed live. A link to join the web-stream will be available on the ECHA home page 24 hours before the event.

Register | Programme | Event page