▪︎ CLP, REACH, SDB
Draft of the 24th ATP to the CLP Regulation Published – Classification Proposals for Lithium Salts and Methyl Methacrylate Remain
The draft of the 24th adaptation to technical progress (ATP) to the CLP Regulation was published at the end of November. In the document, the EU retains the classifications for lithium salts and methyl methacrylate (MMA) proposed by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC). That means that lithium salts are classified in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation as reproductive toxins in category 1A and that MMA is classified as a respiratory allergen in Category 1.
The economic importance of the substances makes the classification proposals controversial. However, the additional data gathered from industry comments that led to a reassessment did not move the RAC representatives to deviate from their original evaluation.
Lithium salts: a mixed blessing
The classification of lithium as toxic to reproduction is based on data from pregnant women who took medications containing lithium. The evaluations suggest that taking lithium could increase the risk of heart defects in the fetus. Industry critics claim that the resulting restrictions on the use of lithium salts, which play a key role in battery production, would affect the entire lithium value chain in the EU. That would seriously jeopardize the competitiveness of EU companies.
The problem of methyl methacrylate
Industry representatives have expressed similar concerns regarding the classification of MMA. The substance is used in the manufacture of Plexiglas and in paints, adhesives, coatings, dental materials, and nail products. The substance is already classified as a skin sensitizer. An additional classification as a respiratory sensitizer would lead to further restrictions and severely affect the MMA-processing industry.
Next Steps
In the next step, a group of experts from the authorities responsible for REACH and CLP (CARACAL) will discuss the draft in early 2026. The Parliament and Council will then have three months to review the draft.
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