▪︎ REACH
EU updates its roadmap for substance restrictions: These chemicals are affected
The EU Commission published an updated version of its “Restriction Road Map” at the beginning of July. The list contains chemicals that will be banned over the next few years as part of the EU chemicals strategy.
The update has resulted in changes for the following substances:
- Octocrilen: The deadline for submitting the Annex XV restriction dossier for this active substance, which is used as a sunscreen filter in cosmetics, has been postponed from October 2024 to January 10, 2025.
- Organophosphate flame retardants: While a restriction dossier according to Annex XV was already planned for 2024 or 2025 in the draft roadmap, the substance group has now been removed from the registry of intentions (ROI). In the ROI, ECHA publishes which member states are currently working on an Annex XV dossier. Whether a restriction dossier is prepared at all will depend on the outcome of an ongoing US study, which is examining how dangerous organophosphate flame retardants actually are.
- PVC and additives: With regard to a restriction on PVC and its additives, the Commission expects this to be included in the ROI in the third quarter of this year; this was originally not due to take place until the end of 2025.
Companies can use the lists to see which of their chemicals are affected by plans for restriction or other regulatory measures.
As a businessperson, you should keep an eye on the lists so that you can have secure plans for individual chemical applications and make appropriate arrangements when substitutes are to be used for specific chemicals.
If you have any questions about substances whose use is restricted, please contact us.