China has launched a public consultation on a set of 19 priority chemicals or groups of chemicals identified as being hazardous and posing the greatest risk to human and environmental health. Information is being accepted until May 31, 2020. News provider Chemical Watch reports that the substances were chosen based on (i) current restrictions in one or more other countries, (ii) being manufactured in large quantities in China or with high exposure potential and including persistent, bio accumulative, or toxic properties, or (iii) recognized to be a category 1A carcinogen, mutagen, or reprotoxic (CMR) substance. A first set of priority substances was published by the Chinese authorities in 2017, but since then no further specific action has been taken on them. A product stewardship expert commented that this should nevertheless be seen as “a clear message for the future and companies should pay attention to the substances on the list.”
11 of substances within the list are identified as being food contact chemicals within the FACET database. These include:
- 2,4,6-tris-(tert-butyl) phenol (CAS 732-26-3)
- phenol, isopropylated, phosphate (3:1) (CAS 68937-41-7)
- 1,4-dichlorobenzene (CAS 106-46-7)
- toluene (CAS 108-88-3)
- tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (CAS 115-96-8)
- bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (CAS 117-81-7)
- dibutyl phthalate (CAS 84-74-2)
- benzyl butyl phthalate (CAS 85-68-7)
- diisobutyl phthalate (CAS 84-69-5)
- 1,1-dichloroethylene (CAS 75-35-4)
- o-toluidine (CAS 95-53-4)
On May 7, 2020, the Chinese authorities published a final version of a revised regulation applying to new substances in the country as of January 1, 2021 (FPF reported).
Read more
Ellen Daliday (May 14, 2020). “China consults on second batch of priority chemicals.” Chemical Watch
References
Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (May 7, 2020). “Notice on soliciting opinions on ‘List of Priority Controlled Chemicals (Second Batch) (Draft for Comment).’”
