ECHA LAUNCHES A PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON 9 POTENTIAL SVHCS

ECHA has launched a public consultation on 9 proposed substances of very high concern (SVHCs). The public consultation was open for 45 days and ended on the 20th of Oct 2017. Interested parties were invited to join the public consultation by posting their comments on the ECHA website. Substances passing the public consultation will become the eighteenth batch SVHCs. For BPA is already listed on the Candidate List because of  its endocrine disrupting properties.

Proposed Substances

No.Substance NameEC No.CAS No.Potential UseReason for proposing
1Dechlorane plus (including any of its individual anti- and syn-isomers or any combination thereof)236-948-9   — — etc. 13560-89-9; 135821-74-8; 135821-03-3   etc. Used as a non-plasticising flame retardant, used in adhesives and sealants and in binding agentsvPvB
24,4’-isopropylidenediphenol (bisphenol A; BPA)201-245-880-05-7 Used in the manufacture of polycarbonate, as a hardener for epoxy resins, as an anti-oxidant for processing PVC and in the production of thermal paperEndocrine disrupting properties   (Article 57(f) – environment)
3Benz[a]anthracene200-280-656-55-3Normally not produced intentionally but rather occurs as a constituent or impurityCarcinogenic ;
PBT ;
vPvB.
4Cadmium nitrate233-710-610325-94-7Used in laboratory chemicals and for the manufacture of glass, porcelain and ceramic productsCarcinogenic ;
Mutagenic ;
Specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure.
5Cadmium carbonate208-168-9513-78-0Used as a pH regulator and in water treatment products, laboratory chemicals, cosmetics and personal care productsCarcinogenic ;
Mutagenic ;
Specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure.
6Cadmium hydroxide244-168-521041-95-2Used in laboratory chemicals and for the manufacture of electrical, electronic and optical equipmentCarcinogenic ;
Mutagenic;
Specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure.
7Chrysene205-923-4218-01-9Normally not produced intentionally but rather occurs as a constituent or impurityCarcinogenic ;
PBT ;
vPvB .
8Reaction products of 1,3,4-thiadiazolidine-2,5-dithione, formaldehyde and 4-heptylphenol, branched and linear (RP-HP) [with ≥0.1% w/w 4-heptylphenol, branched and linear]Used as a lubricant additive in lubricants and greasesEndocrine disrupting properties
9Tricobalt tetraoxide containing ≥ 0.1% w/w nickel oxides215-157-21308-06-1Used in laboratory chemicals, pH regulators and in water treatment products, semiconductors, polymers and coating productsCarcinogenic

CTI Suggestion

As the SVHC Candidate List is consistently being updated, companies are facing increasing numbers of control requirements. Producers of products shall notify the ECHA within six months after a substance has been included in the SVHC Candidate List if they meet the conditions. Companies should focus on REACH news and take necessary preventative actions as soon as possible.