Europe Regulatory News

On 20 November 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), in collaboration with authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, provided a progress update on the restriction pr...

On 20 November 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), in collaboration with authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, provided a progress update on the restriction proposal for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  The update outlines the current status and future plans of ECHA's Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) as they assess the potential impact of the proposed restriction on different sectors using PFAS.

Submitted in January 2023, the PFAS restriction proposal under REACH aims to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with these persistent chemicals. PFAS are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals known for their persistence, bioaccumulation and potential toxic effects. The proposed restriction aims to ban the manufacture, use and sale of these substances in the EU in order to reduce their environmental and health impacts.

Extensive Consultation and Sector-Specific Insights

More than 5,600 scientific and technical comments were received during the six-month consultation in 2023, providing valuable insights into PFAS uses and alternatives across Europe. Newly identified uses include:

• Sealing applications: Fluoropolymer uses in seals, gaskets, and pipe linings.

• Technical textiles: High performance membranes and technical fabrics for outdoor use.

• Medical applications: Pharmaceutical packaging and excipients.

• Printing: Permanent parts and consumables.

Fluoropolymers, a subgroup of PFAS, have emerged as a key area of interest during the consultation process. Stakeholder input has provided critical insights into the availability of alternatives for certain fluoropolymer applications and the measures needed to minimise their environmental emissions. The socio-economic implications of restricting their manufacture, market placement, and use are being carefully evaluated. Due to their significance, fluoropolymers are receiving focused attention from all actors involved in the opinion development process.

Exploring Alternative Restriction Options

In addition to the initial proposals for a total ban or a ban with time-limited derogations, alternative options are being assessed to balance risk reduction with socio-economic impacts. These may include conditional authorisations for specific uses, such as:

• Batteries, fuel cells, and electrolysers

• Medical devices and semiconductors

The European Commission, with input from ECHA’s Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committees (RAC and SEAC), will evaluate these options and take final decisions.

Next Steps

ECHA and the dossier submitters will continue to refine their evaluation throughout 2025, leading to a consolidated opinion. Stakeholders will have further opportunities to provide input on socio-economic aspects before final decisions are taken.

The European Commission has released a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to provide initial clarification on the newly implemented Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR...

The European Commission has released a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to provide initial clarification on the newly implemented Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which officially took effect on July 18, 2024. The ESPR seeks to establish a new benchmark for product sustainability, requiring all products introduced to the EU market to be designed with a strong focus on environmental impact. 

Key Insights from the FAQ Document 

The FAQ document addresses frequently asked questions from stakeholders regarding the ESPR (Regulation (EU) 2024/1781), which was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on June 13, 2024. This Regulation establishes a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for sustainable products (ESPR). The document offers preliminary clarifications from the European Commission's services, but should not be considered as an official stance of the Commission. It aims to provide clarity on the Regulation, with the Court of Justice of the European Union being the only body authorized to give an authoritative interpretation of EU law. 

The FAQ document covers a broad spectrum of topics including: 

• The scope of the regulation 

• Specific product categories 

• Digital Product Passport 

• Eco-design Forum 

• Implementation timeline 

Support for Stakeholders 

The European Commission is dedicated to supporting stakeholders during the transition to the new regulations, offering guidance, training and financial support, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Commission’s efforts are aimed at helping stakeholders such as manufacturers, importers, and consumers to manage the impact of the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). 

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the updated Guidance on the Application of the CLP Criteria to reflect the latest regulatory developments and scientific advances. The revised guidan...

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the updated Guidance on the Application of the CLP Criteria to reflect the latest regulatory developments and scientific advances. The revised guidance is now presented as a series of five separate documents to enhance usability and support compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation).

Key Features of the Updated Guidance

Comprehensive Scope

The guidance provides detailed technical and scientific advice on the application of the classification, labelling, and packaging (CLP) criteria for physical, health and environmental hazards. It supports manufacturers, importers and downstream users in meeting their obligations under the CLP Regulation.

New Structure for Improved Usability

To improve accessibility, the guidance has been reorganised into five distinct parts:

1. Overview Document: An introduction to the guidance series.

2. Part 1: General Principles for Classification and Labelling: This basic part contains practical examples and must be consulted before using other parts.

3. Part 2: Physical Hazards: Updated to reflect recent advances, including criteria for desensitised explosives.

4. Part 3: Health Hazards: Includes new guidance on endocrine disruptors affecting human health.

5. Part 4/5: Environmental Hazards and Additional Hazards: Includes new sections on environmental endocrine disruptors, Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT), very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative (vPvB), Persistent, Mobile, and Toxic (PMT) and very Persistent and very Mobile (vPvM) criteria.

Guidance on the New Hazard Classes

The updated guidance introduces key sections addressing emerging safety concerns, with detailed information available in specific parts of the guidance series:

• Endocrine Disruption (Human Health): This section, found in Part 3: Health Hazards, Section 3.11, provides criteria for identifying substances with endocrine disrupting properties that affect human health.

• Endocrine Disruption (Environmental): Addressed in Part 4/5: Environmental Hazards and Additional Hazards, Section 4.2, this section provides guidance on the identification and classification of environmental endocrine disruptors.

• PBT, vPvB, PMT and vPvM: Covered in Part 4/5, Section 4.3, where criteria for the assessment of substances with PBT, vPvB, PMT or vPvM properties are detailed.

Each part provides comprehensive guidance on these hazard classes to ensure that stakeholders have the necessary tools for accurate classification and labelling under the CLP Regulation.

Background and Legal Notice

The guidance is based on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and builds on the EU’s long-standing expertise in chemical safety. ECHA emphasises that the CLP Regulation itself remains the only legally binding reference, and this guidance is intended to support its application.

The updated guidance incorporates input from experts from Member States, industry stakeholders and organisations such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to ensure a robust and science-based framework.

Recent Adoption of the New CLP Regulation

On 14 October 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted the new Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemical Substances (CLP), marking a significant step forward in chemical safety. This update modernises the 2008 CLP Regulation to better reflect evolving hazards, consumer protection trends, and sustainable practices.

The new regulation introduces voluntary digital labelling, rules for chemical refill stations and a five-year grace period for non-modified substances of botanical origin with multiple constituents (MOCS). Key changes include faster identification and classification of hazards, including endocrine disruptors, updated labelling requirements for both traditional and digital formats, and adaptations to modern trading practices such as online sales and bulk purchasing. These updates aim to enhance consumer and environmental protection while supporting the circular economy.

The Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 20 November 2024 and will enter into force 20 days later.

Access the Updated Guidance

Stakeholders are invited to consult the new guidance documents, which are available on ECHA’s website here. The updated structure and content reflect the EU’s commitment to chemical safety and effective hazard communication.

The European Union is set to revise its REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation in 2025, with the aim of streamlining chemical safety protocols and stre...

The European Union is set to revise its REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation in 2025, with the aim of streamlining chemical safety protocols and strengthening environmental protection. Insights into the forthcoming changes were highlighted in recent responses by Commissioner-designate Stéphane Séjourné (candidate for the Prosperity and Industrial Strategy portfolio) and Jessika Roswall (candidate for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy portfolio) to questionnaires for their confirmation hearings in the European Parliament. These questionnaires, designed to detail each Commissioner’s priorities and strategies, outlined key features of the expected REACH revision, such as stricter regulations on hazardous chemicals, a greater emphasis on sustainability and simplified compliance processes for industry.

Emphasis on Broader Chemical Restrictions

A key aspect of the upcoming REACH revision is the move from individual chemical authorisations to broader category-wide restrictions. This strategy is designed to speed-up the removal of high-risk substances from the market and make compliance easier for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Commissioner-designate Séjourné underlined the need for a more efficient regulatory framework that will rapidly eliminate harmful substances while providing long-term investment certainty for Europe's chemical industry.

Tighter PFAS Regulations with Essential Use Criteria

The revision will also target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known for their persistence in the environment. The EU plans a complete ban on PFAS in consumer products such as cosmetics, food packaging and outdoor equipment. However, essential use criteria will allow PFAS applications in critical industrial sectors where no viable alternatives exist. Commissioner-designate Roswall emphasised the importance of balancing environmental protection with industrial needs and supported the continued use of PFAS in essential applications under strictly controlled conditions until suitable substitutes are developed.

Tackling Information Gaps in Chemical Safety

The forthcoming revision of REACH aims to address existing information gaps on chemical safety. Enhanced data requirements in particular for substances identified as endocrine disruptors or those with high environmental persistence, will allow for more informed regulatory decisions. This approach aims to improve risk control and ensure that both human health and the environment are adequately protected.

Advancing Circular Economy Goals through Sustainable Chemical Practices

In line with the EU's Clean Industrial Deal and Circular Economy goals, the 2025 REACH revision promotes the sustainable use of chemicals and resource efficiency. By encouraging the adoption of safer alternatives and reducing dependence on virgin materials, the EU aims to foster a more sustainable and competitive chemical industry. Commissioner-designate Séjourné underlined the need to create an enabling framework for investments that drive the transition to green and digital solutions, including clean energy sources and sustainable chemicals.

As the 2025 revision of REACH approaches, the EU is ready to implement a streamlined regulatory framework that enhances chemical safety, supports sustainable industrial practices and protects public health and the environment.

The full text of the questionnaires can be found here and here.

On 7 November 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added triphenyl phosphate (CAS No 115-86-69) to its Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC). Triphenyl phosphate is known to b...

On 7 November 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added triphenyl phosphate (CAS No 115-86-69) to its Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC). Triphenyl phosphate is known to be an endocrine disruptor and is widely used as a flame retardant and plasticiser in a variety of products, including polymers, adhesives and sealants. This latest update brings the Candidate List to 242 entries, underlining ECHA’s commitment to chemical safety.

Impact of the Inclusion of Triphenyl Phosphate in the Candidate List

With triphenyl phosphate now on the SVHC list, companies across the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) face new obligations under REACH. Companies must assess and communicate the risks associated with this chemical to ensure its safe use. Suppliers are required to inform consumers if articles contain more than 0.1% triphenyl phosphate and provide information on safe use. They must also update the safety data sheet they provide to their customers. Importers and manufacturers must notify ECHA of all articles containing the substance within six months of inclusion in the Candidate list.

New Regulatory Requirements and Industry Compliance

The inclusion of triphenyl phosphate on the SVHC list brings additional compliance requirements. Under the Waste Framework Directive, companies must notify ECHA if the articles they produce contain SVHCs above a concentration of 0.1%.  The notifications will be published ECHA’s database of substances of concern in products (SCIP), helping to increase transparency on hazardous chemicals in products. In addition, items containing SVHCs cannot be awarded the EU Ecolabel, in line with ECHA’s mission for safer consumer products.

At the end of October 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a report on hazardous chemicals found in cosmetic products, identifying non-compliance with the REACH and Persistent Organic ...

At the end of October 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a report on hazardous chemicals found in cosmetic products, identifying non-compliance with the REACH and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulations. The report covers a pilot project on the enforcement of restrictions on perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and related substances in cosmetics. It shows that around 6% of the inspected cosmetic products contained banned hazardous substances. The project, which ran from November 2023 to April 2024, involved inspections by national enforcement authorities in 13 European Economic Area (EEA) countries including Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden. Of nearly 4,500 products inspected, 285 were found to contain banned chemicals, including perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorooctylethyl triethoxysilane, cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and other cyclic siloxanes.

Health and Environmental Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in Cosmetics

The substances identified pose serious health and environmental risks due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. Two main restricted substances were frequently found in non-compliant products:

• Perfluorononyl dimethicone: Detected in 151 non-compliant products (e.g. eyeliners and lip liners), this per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) is restricted under both the POPs and REACH regulations. It is highly persistent in the environment and breaks down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical known for its reproductive toxicity and suspected carcinogenicity.

• Cyclopentasiloxane (D5): Found in 111 non-compliant products (e.g. hair conditioners and hair masks), this compound is restricted under REACH due to its persistence in the environment and tendency to accumulate in organisms. D5 raises concerns about reproductive toxicity effects and long-term ecological impact.

The wider set of substances identified, including various siloxanes and fluorinated compounds, are associated with serious risks to human health and the environment. These compounds are slow to degrade and accumulate in humans and other species, with potential adverse effects including reproductive toxicity and cancer risk.

Consumer Awareness and Regulatory Actions by ECHA

The national authorities carried out the inspections mainly by checking product ingredient lists, an approach that can also be used by consumers to check for banned substances. Non-compliant products were found across different types, brands, and price ranges. As a corrective measure, enforcement authorities issued written advice to suppliers to ensure compliance and initiated the removal of affected products from the market. Further investigations are ongoing in about half of the cases identified.

Project Background and Objectives

This enforcement project is part of ECHA’s wider efforts to ensure consistent enforcement of the POPs and REACH Regulations across the EEA. By focusing on chemicals commonly used in cosmetics, the project aims to strengthen the integrated control of hazardous substances in consumer products, protecting both public health and the environment.

The full report is available here.

On 17 October 2024, the European Ombudsman published a recommendation calling on the European Commission to address delays in the authorisation of dangerous chemical substances under the REACH Regulat...

On 17 October 2024, the European Ombudsman published a recommendation calling on the European Commission to address delays in the authorisation of dangerous chemical substances under the REACH Regulation. These delays, which average 14.5 months instead of the statutory three months, allow companies to continue using harmful chemicals, including carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, while decisions are pending. The Ombudsman’s inquiry found that the Commission’s internal procedures and incomplete applications by companies significantly slow down the process, sometimes extending decisions by years.

The REACH Regulation and its Objectives

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation aims to protect public health and the environment by regulating substances of very high concern (SVHCs). Companies applying for authorisation must demonstrate that the risks posed by the chemical are adequately controlled or that there are no suitable alternatives, often requiring extensive technical reviews. However, the Commission has struggled to meet deadlines, undermining the effectiveness of the Regulation in controlling hazardous chemicals in the EU.

Concerns about Transparency in Decision-Making

In addition to delays, the Ombudsman identified transparency issues, criticising the Commission for insufficient public access to the details of its decision-making. The Ombudsman recommended that the Commission publish more comprehensive reports of REACH Committee meetings and ensure that they are available before the next meeting. Greater transparency, the report suggests, will help the public to hold relevant stakeholders accountable for the prolonged decision-making process.

Recommendations for Improvement

To address these systemic issues, the Ombudsman recommends that the Commission streamline its internal procedures, enforce stricter data submission requirements on companies, and ensure greater transparency in the decision-making process. This would uphold the REACH Regulation's objectives of protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals while ensuring timely action.