REACH Update: Substances of Very High Concern

By: Annelie Struessmann, PhD, CONUSBAT

Posted: November 18, 2008

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On Dec. 1, 2011, EU and EEA producers or importers of articles will have to notify ECHA when their article contains a substance on the candidate list. This obligation applies if the substance is present above 0.1% w/w and its quantities in the produced/imported articles are above 1 ton per year per company. Cosmetics ingredients may become subject to authorization processes. However, if the substances are included in Annex XIV (REACH) because they are considered as being carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, or because an ‘equivalent level of concern’ was identified, the use in personal care products will not be authorized due to the CMR prohibition of the Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC). If the substance is included in Annex XIV for environmental reasons, companies may obtain authorization for use in personal care products.

Further questions? Visit C&T magazine's REACH Round Table.

Readers are reminded that the text of the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 is the only authentic legal reference. The information in this document does not constitute legal advice.