ECHA consults on SVHC listing of two substances

On 1 March 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a call for comments on proposals to identify two substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). The deadline for subtmitting comments is 15 April 2024. Comments are particularly welcome on the identity of the substance and on PBT or vPvB properties or properties of similar concern. Furthermore, ECHA welcomes comments and further information on uses, tonnage per use, exposure, alternatives, and risks of the chemicals, which will help to decide whether the substance should be recommended for inclusion in the Authorisation List at a later stage.

Substances of Very High Concern

SVHCs are substances that may cause serious and often irreversible effects on human health and the environment. A substance identified as an SVHC will be added to the Candidate List for possible addition to the Authorisation List. As of January 2024, the Candidate List has 240 entries, some of which are groups of chemicals, so the total number of chemicals concerned is higher. The Authorisation List contains 59 entries. If a substance is on the Authorisation List, its use is prohibited unless the European Commission grants an authorisation for continued use.

Substance 1: Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)peroxide

The first substance in the consultation submitted by Norway is bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl peroxide (CAS No 80-43-3) which is proposed to be identified as a substance meeting the criteria of Article 57 (c) of the REACH Regulation as it is classified as toxic for reproduction category 1B (H360D: may damage the unborn child).

Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl peroxide is mainly used in the polymer industry. Between 10,000 and 100,000 tonnes are manufactured or imported each year in the European Economic Area (EEA).

Substance 2: Triphenyl phosphate

The second substance submitted by France is triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) (CAS No 115-86-6), which is proposed to be identified as a substance meeting the criteria of Article 57 (f) of the REACH Regulation because it is an endocrine disrupting substance for which there is scientific evidence of probable serious effects to the environment.

TPhP is used as a flame retardant and plasticiser in polymer formulations, adhesives and sealants, cosmetics and personal care products. TPhP is used by consumers, in articles, by professionals (widespread use), in formulation or repackaging, at industrial sites and in manufacturing. TPhP is found as an impurity in many other organophoshate flame retardants or as a component of this family of compounds. It is manufactured and imported in the EEA in the range 100 to 1000 tonnes per year.

Future process

The substances will be added directly to the Candidate List if ECHA receives no comments challenging the identification. If the consultation comments provide new information that challenges the basis for SVHC identification, the comments and the proposal will be referred to ECHA’s Member State Committee (MSC).