EFSA and ECHA publish outline of guidance enabling identification of endocrine disruptors; public consultation on draft guidance scheduled for summer 2017
BPA on the list of SVHCs as of 2017
ECHA Member State Committee unanimously agrees on identification of bisphenol A and three other substances as substances of very high concern (SVHCs); substances to be added to SVHC list in January 2017
Case studies on substitution of hazardous chemicals
ECHA publishes two new case studies on replacing per- and polyfluorinated chemicals as well as bisphenols in consumer products
EFSA, ECHA and JRC develop EDC guidance
The European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency, together with the EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre, work on guidance for implementing the Commission’s proposed EDC criteria
Nine SVHCs to include on Authorisation list
European Chemicals Agency recommends adding nine substances of very high concern (SVHCs) to the REACH Authorisation list; non-profit organization Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) criticizes omission of some substances as well as delays on behalf of European Commission
EU Member States to risk-assess 117 substances in 2017-2019
ECHA and EU Member States propose list of 117 substances to be evaluated for risk to human health and environment; list features 4 substances relevant for FCMs
EDC criteria: Recent meetings
DG SANTE publishes summaries of recent meetings concerning the proposed EDC identification criteria; asks EFSA and ECHA to develop a harmonized guidance document for the implementation of EDC criteria
Regulation drives substitution of SVHCs
ECHA-commissioned study shows that REACH is important driver for substitution of hazardous chemicals in the EU; more resources and infrastructure required; education on substitution, collaboration within supply chains need improvement
Inventory list for printed paper and board FCMs
Scientists compile inventory list of chemicals used in printed paper and board FCMs; 1,769 single substances are non-evaluated for their toxicity; of these, 19 substances with actual use confirmed by FACET are included in ECHA’s lists for substances of concern
Evidence evaluation in risk assessment: Detailed guidance needed
Weight-of-evidence evaluation and systematic review methods are promoted in most chemical risk assessment frameworks in the EU, but clear guidance is lacking; scientists suggest joint guidance development by EU agencies dealing with chemicals