Eurofins | Newsflash - October 2018 | Chemicals
Europe
Consumer information on chemicals in articles by IT –tools On 1st September 2017, LIFE AskREACH project started. |
The aim of this project is to compile information regarding the presence of SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) in articles in order to develop a European Database of SVHCs and a Europe-wide smartphone app which will allow consumers to scan barcodes of articles to check whether they contain SVHCs.
According to Article 33 of the European Chemicals Regulation REACH, suppliers of articles containing SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) in a concentration above 0.1% (weight by weight) must provide information about the presence of these substances to the consumers in order to allow their safe use. It also determines the consumer’s right to request and obtain this information from a supplier within 45 days, free of charge.
Up to now, 20 partners participating in the LIFE AskREACH Project in 13 EU countries have been compiling information on the presence of SVHCs in articles through on-line surveys for consumers (until 31st July 2018) and for companies (until 30th September 2018).
The results of these surveys will help in the development of the previous mentioned European database of SVHCs and the smartphone app.
This project is expected to finish by 31st August 2020.
Europe -REACH
Recent updates regarding REACH
Below table includes a summary of the main recent updates (non-exhaustive) regarding REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006:
Summary of main recent updates | ||
Date | Subject | Link |
September 2018 |
Public consultation on SEAC draft opinion on restriction: |
Submitted restrictions under consideration here |
September 2018 |
New intentions for identification as a Substance of Very High Concern:
|
Consultation on proposals to identify Substances of Very High Concern here |
September 2018 |
New substance evaluation conclusion published:
|
Click here for getting the conclusions |
September 2018 |
Public consultation on 18 substances proposed for authorization |
Click here for draft recommendations |
Europe – CLP
Recent updates regarding CLP
Below table includes a summary of the main recent updates (non-exhaustive) regarding CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008:
Summary of main recent updates | ||
Date | Subject | Link |
September 2018 |
Public consultation on harmonised classification and labelling:
The deadline for comments is 19 October 2018
The deadline for comments is 16 November 2018 |
Public consultation on harmonised classification and labelling here |
September 2018 |
The Poison Centres website has published further information about the notification portal and support pages for the industry |
Click here for going to the European Poison Centres website |
September 2018 |
Publication of 14 opinions for harmonised classification and labelling |
|
September 2018 |
Proposals to harmonise classification and labelling for:
|
Click here for the Registry of CLH intentions until outcome |
International
GHS Non-animal testing methods project As result of the last Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) subcommittee meeting, the UN has made available a working draft - Non-animal testing methods for classification of health hazards. |
US
California Proposition 65 reformulations (September, 2018)
California Proposition 65 is the ‘Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986’, which has been effective for almost 30 years. Due to the implement of California Proposition 65, more and more court cases are settled to reduce the exposure of carcinogenic and reproductive chemicals by reformulating the consumer products containing such chemicals.
In order to keep retailers and manufacturers up-to-date, the highlights of the consent agreement are summarized as below:
Product | Chemical | Limit | Case No |
Clear plastic tips utilized on food skewer products |
DEHP, DBP and DINP |
1000ppm |
Out of court |
Angle tongs |
DEHP and DINP |
1000ppm |
Out of court |
US
California passes flame retardant bill AB2998 On 7th September 2018, California’s flame retardant bill AB2998 was enrolled and presented to the Governor and expected to be signed into law in the near future. |
Covered flame retardant chemicals means any chemical whose functional use is to resist or inhibit the spread of fire including one of the following:
- A halogenated, organophosphorus, organonitrogen, or nanoscale chemical
- A chemical defined as a “designated chemical” in Section 105440 of the Health and Safety Code
- A chemical covered in the Washington’s list of Chemicals of High Concern to Children
The following products are not covered in this ban:
- Electronic components of juvenile products, mattresses, reupholstered furniture, upholstered furniture, or any associated casing for those electronic components
- Upholstered or reupholstered furniture components other than those identified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 19094
- Thread or fiber when used for stitching mattress components together
- Components of adult mattresses other than foam
For more information click here.
Chem-MAP
ZDHC Approved Chemical Verification Systems for the Textile and Leather Supply Chain The responsible management of chemical inputs into consumer product supply chains is a key priority for many brands and retailers. There are many advantages to controlling input chemistry, yet, global supply chains are often complex with multiple tiers of stakeholders and positive change requires action from the entire value chain. |
The Chem-MAP family developed by Eurofins | BLC, consists of c-MAP, b-MAP and m-MAP. These products provide specific chemical management services for the entire supply chain, from chemical supplier through manufacturing facility to brands and retailers, supporting best practice in terms of end to end supply chain chemical management systems.
Visit the Chem-MAP Site to Find Out More About How Chem-MAP Works here.