EU REACH – ECHA Announces Intention to Review the Restrictions on Four Phthalates

Vol. 819 | 17 Mar 2015

The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) announced its intention to review the restrictions on four phthalates under REACH. The phthalates are (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

The “sunset date” for the use and/or importation of these substances into the EU passed on 21 February 2015. As this sunset date has expired, the ECHA is now to consider whether a restriction of the substances in specific product imported into the EU should be implemented.

Any proposed restriction will apply to the following phthalates:

Substance	EU number	CAS number
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)	201-553-2	84-69-5
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)	201-557-4	84-74-2
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)	201-622-7	85-68-7
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)	204-211-0	117-81-7

The restriction has not yet been established and the ECHA has indicated that this will be dependent upon on the outcome of the assessment. The scope of the restriction might be broad or targeted specifically to certain articles or article groups that are the main contributors to exposure of the general population.

The expected date for the submission of any recommended restrictions is 8 January 2016. Following the submission, a process of public consultation will commence, during which concerned parties are invited to comment on the proposal.

Any restriction which is eventually decided upon will be restricted under Article 69 of Annex XVII of REACH.

A link to the restriction intention on the ECHA web-site is below for reference -
http://echa.europa.eu/registry-of-current-restriction-proposal-intentions/-/substance-rev/6301/term

These substances have uses as plasticisers for polymer material. The restriction may have impact on products that may contain these substances.

The types of products which may potentially be impacted by a proposed restriction include consumer goods such as artificial leather goods like handbags, belts and garments, and footwear with synthetic components.

For inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Mike Redshaw
Tel: +44 (0)1942 265700
Email: mike.redshaw@intertek.com