ECHA Opens Public Consultation on REACH Annex IV for Four Phthalates

Recommendations on amending the Authorization List of REACH (Annex XIV) can be made until March 12, 2019. The amendment covers the endocrine-disrupting effectiveness of the following four phthalates:

• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

According to the new entries, some uses of these chemicals will require authorization. Those most immediately affected include users who add the chemicals into mixtures – in a concentration of 0.1%–0.3%. In addition, the modification means that the longstanding exception for the use of DEHP in materials that come into contact with food or medicine would no longer apply.

The chemicals are listed as SVHCs because of their reprotoxic properties and have been on the candidate list for some time. BBP, DBP, and DEHP have been listed in Annex XIV since 2011. DIBP has been listed since 2012. After this inclusion in Annex XIV, the endocrine properties were identified. As a result, the Candidate List 2014 and 2017 were updated. In the next step, the exempted uses have been updated.

Do you want to be sure you’re on the safe side when handling phthalates? Whether you work with dangerous good, cosmetics, or other product, we ‘re here to support you. Contact us at reach@kft.de.