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