Sweden to propose BPA analogue as SVHC

Swedish Chemicals Agency will propose 4,4′-isobutylethylidenediphenol as substance of very high concern to avoid regrettable substitution of bisphenol A

Nano amendments to REACH adopted

EU Member States adopt nano-amendments to REACH Annexes; new requirements for identifying and characterizing nanoforms, providing data for nanomaterials registered under REACH

Notification of SVHCs to be required under EU waste directive

Amendment to EU waste framework directive foresees obligation for suppliers to notify ECHA of SVHCs present in articles, aims to create transparent and non-toxic material cycles for circular economy

ECHA consults on identification of 8 SVHCs

ECHA opens public consultation on proposals to identify 8 substances of very high concern; deadline for comments April 23, 2018; 5 substances relevant for food contact

Opinion: REACH authorization stifles substitution

NGOs ChemSec and ClientEarth criticize implementation of REACH regarding substitution of hazardous chemicals; request ‘safeguard mechanisms’ to double-check applicants’ analysis of alternatives on the market

Second REACH review published

European Commission releases second review of REACH regulation, highlights how REACH enhanced chemical safety, suggests actions for improvement

Assessing risks of hydrophobic chemicals

Scientists argue that water-focused assessment schemes may misjudge risks of hydrophobic chemicals; sediments, particles, exposure through diet additionally play an important role; contribution of microplastics and nanoplastics uncertain but likely low

ECHA recommends 7 SVHCs for authorization

ECHA prioritizes 7 substances of very high concern to be added to REACH Authorisation List; 6 substances potentially relevant for food contact

ECHA shortlists 236 substances for scrutiny

EU Member States to examine 236 substances shortlisted in ECHA’s annual screening exercise for potential health and environmental risks; list not publicly available

ECHA urged to share ‘strategic information’

ClientEarth report criticizes ECHA’s lack of transparency, requests more information on harmful chemicals in the EU, companies’ compliance, EU’s decision-making processes with regard to chemical safety