ECHA Seeks to Add 18 Substances to Annex XIV of REACH

The ECHA has suggested adding 18 substances, mostly chemicals used as stabilizers and solvents, to Annex XIV (Authorization List) of REACH. Comments on the suggestion can be made until December 5 as part of a public consultation. The agency specifically selected the candidates based on the information in their registration dossiers about their use and quantities.

The materials include the following chemicals with reprotoxic properties (including examples of their use):

• bisphenol A: an endocrine disruptor used in epoxy resin hardeners
• 2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4-dioctyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia4-stannatetradecanoate (DOTE): stabiliser in pol-ymers
• reaction mass of 2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4-dioctyl-7-oxo8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoate and 2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4-[[2-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-2-oxoethyl]thio]-4- octyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoate (reaction mass of DOTE and MOTE): stabiliser in polymers
• dioxobis(stearato)trilead: stabiliser in PVC
• fatty acids, C16-18, lead salts: stabiliser in PVC
• trilead dioxide phosphonate: stabiliser in PVC, rubber production, mirror backing
• sulfurous acid, lead salt, dibasic: stabiliser in PVC; mirror backing
• [phthalato(2-)]dioxotrilead: stabiliser in PVC
• trilead bis(carbonate) dihydroxide: artists’ paints
• lead oxide sulfate: mirror backing
• tetraethyllead: additive in aviation fuel
• 2-methoxyethanol: solvent
• 2-ethoxyethanol: solvent

Two substances, dicarboxylic anhydrides HHPA und MHHPA, irritate the respiratory system. They are used as hardeners in epoxy resins.

The chemicals listed by the ECHA also include dechlorane plus, a very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) chemical used as a flame retardant in adhesives and polymers. It is also looking at the reaction products of 1,3,4-thiadiazolidine-2,5-dithione, formaldehyde, and 4-heptylphenol, branched and linear (RP-HP) with ≥0.1% w/w 4-heptylphenol, branched and linear (4-Hbl). It is used in lubricants and greases but is an endocrine disruptor.

In addition, the ECHA wants to include 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-4”-(methylamino)trityl alcohol with ≥ 0.1% of Michler’s ketone (EC No. 202-027-5) or Michler’s base (EC No. 202-959-2), which is used in printing inks, but its carcinogenic qualities are disputed.

As part of the consultation, the agency is asking for further information on the uses of the substances along with information on the structure and complexity of the supply chains.

After the consultation ends on December 5, the Member State Committee (MSC) of the ECHA will review all position papers and prepare its recommendation. Based on the draft, the ECHA will make its final recommendation to the EU, which has the last word. Ultimately, it decides which chemicals appear in the Authorization List and under what conditions.

Please send any questions to reach@kft.de.