Boron Compounds, Citric Acid, and Salicylic Acid Methyl Ester: ECHA Approves New Classification

At its fiftieth meeting, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) took several steps, including examination and approval of the planned reclassification of various boron compounds, citric acid, and salicylic acid methyl ester. Accordingly, boron compounds will now be classified as “Category 1B, toxic to reproduction – the compounds can impair fertility and may cause harm to the unborn child.”

The concentration limit has also been redefined. In the future, the concentration of boron compounds may not exceed 0.3% by weight. For consumers, that means that liquid detergents that contain more than 0.3% by weight of boron may no longer be given to private end users.

What does the future hold? The EU Commission will transmit all proposed changes to Annex VI of the CLP Regulation to the REACH Regulatory Committee, where the member states will vote on the modifications of the annexes. The EU Commission will then create a draft modification of the CLP Regulation that will be available for public comment for three months. As soon as the Council and the European Parliament approve the draft, the regulation will be published. The changes then take effect 18 months later.

If you have any questions, please contact us at clp-info@kft.de.