ECHA investigation reveals CMR substances in childcare products

On 31 October 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published an investigation report on the use and presence of CMR 1A or 1B substances in childcare products. The report was prepared to support the European Commission in preparing an EU-wide restriction under the REACH regulation with the aim to protect children from exposure to CMR substances.

Results of the investigation

The investigation carried out by ECHA gathered data from 48 sources and showed that childcare products may contain substances known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR). It focused on substances that have a harmonised classification under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation as a CMRs in category 1A (known human carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive toxicant) or 1B (presumed human carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive toxicant).

The most common CMRs found in these products include metals such as cobalt and lead, as well as phthalates such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). These hazardous substances were commonly found in products such as car seats, bibs, products related to toiletry, bedding, and mattresses.

Children are at risk of exposure to these harmful substances through skin or oral contact when using these products. They are particularly vulnerable to the harm caused by such chemical substances because their small size, developing physiology, and behaviour make them more susceptible to the effects of these substances.

During the investigation, ECHA carried out two public calls for evidence and held a consultation on the draft report. The Agency contacted 233 different stakeholders to inform them about the work and took their feedback into account.

The full text of the report can be found here.

Next steps

ECHA's report provides key insights to assist the European Commission in the preparation of a possible future restriction. It covers the definition of childcare articles, the possible scope of the restriction, recommended concentration limits, timeframes for implementation and potential derogations. It also includes perspectives from ECHA's Enforcement Forum on the feasibility of such a restriction.

The report will be submitted to the European Commission to enable the preparation of a restriction proposal under Article 68(2) of REACH without direct involvement of ECHA's Scientific Committees.