News Details

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published an Agency Opinion proposing a revised mandatory classification and labelling of dichloromethane (DCM, CAS No. 75-09-2) under the Great Britain Classification, Labelling and Packaging (GB CLP) Regulation.

The substance, also known as methylene chloride, is used in the manufacture of plant protection products, cleaning products, adhesives, sealants and biocides. Industrial uses also include extraction processes, coatings and heat-transfer fluids.

DCM is currently classified under the GB MCL List as Carc. 2, H351 (Suspected of causing cancer). The HSE now proposes the following classifications:

• Carc. 1B, H350: May cause cancer
• Muta. 2, H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects

This is consistent with the opinion adopted by the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), as well as the HSE’s earlier technical assessment.

Possible UK REACH consequences

The HSE notes that classification as a Category 1B carcinogen could lead to further consideration under UK REACH. This could include restrictions on supply to the general public, as well as possible identification of dichloromethane as a substance of very high concern under Article 57.

However, these measures would not follow automatically. Dichloromethane is not currently identified in the UK REACH Work Programme for possible inclusion in the Candidate List or Authorisation List. Its use in paint strippers is already restricted under Annex XVII of UK REACH.

No Immediate Compliance Requirements

The Agency Opinion does not introduce an immediate requirement to update labels or safety data sheets, and no compliance deadline has been established. A ministerial decision and an amendment of the GB MCL List would be required before the revised classification becomes legally binding.

The proposal applies to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland remains subject to the European Union’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation and is therefore outside the scope of the HSE Opinion. Companies using or supplying dichloromethane may nevertheless wish to identify potentially affected substances, mixtures and uses and monitor the next steps.