EU Members Conclude That 12 Chemicals Should Be Included on REACH Candidate List

摘要

European Union member states have already concluded ahead of a formal decision that 12 chemicals should be classified under the REACH legislation as "substances of very high concern," meaning their use will be restricted or banned, the head of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) said Sept. 17. The substances-10 chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic, and two considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT)-were part of an initial list of 16 published by ECHA in June (31 INER 640, 7/9/08). Geert Dancet, ECHA's executive director, said the 12 substances would be listed on a "candidate list" for authorization, as few comments had been received opposing this during a public consultation that concluded in mid-August. Inclusion on the list means that unless objections are raised following a further round of consultations and expert meetings, the substances will be added to Annex XIV of REACH, which stands for the registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals.