EU Regulatory Shifts: CLP Revision, Titanium Dioxide Safety Review, and Childcare Article Restrictions

CLP Revision

The European Commission has proposed a revision to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) that would introduce new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors.

In line with the European Green Deal the revisions will see harmful chemicals come under new regulatory scrutiny , ensuring highly complex substance assessments are conducted to ensure chemicals are produced and used in a way that maximises their benefits to society and avoids harm to the planet.

New Hazard Classes

Endocrine Disruptor Hazard Classes (Category 1)

The substance is classified in Category 1 where there is clear evidence of an adverse effect as a result of endocrine activity.

Labelling requirements:

• Signal word: Danger
• EUH380:  May cause endocrine disruption in humans.
• EUH430:  May cause endocrine disruption in the environment.

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Endocrine Disruptor (Category 2)

The substance is classified in Category 2 where there is some evidence of an adverse effect as a result of endocrine activity

Labelling requirements:

• Signal word: Warning
• EUH381 Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in humans.
• EUH431:  Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in the environment.

Titanium Dioxide Safety Review

The European Commission is currently reviewing the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures that classified titanium dioxide as a carcinogenic substance with a minimum classification of a Category 2 Carcinogen (H351).

ECHA Safety Data Sheet Compliance Checks

Member State national enforcement authorities are now inspecting the compliance of safety data sheets (SDSs) for chemicals sold on the EU market.

Following revisions to SDS requirements the deadline to update EU SDSs was 31 December 2022. Non-conformance can result in fines and disruption throughout the supply chain.

The main objective of these checks is to assess whether duty holders have updated and provided SDS in accordance with the new requirements of Annex II of REACH Regulation.. The results of the checks are expected to be reported in 2024.

Call for Evidence of CMR in Childcare Articles

The European Commission is planning to prepare a REACH restriction proposal on the use of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR) substances in childcare articles.

The ECHA are asking interested parties to submit data on the potential presence of CMRs (categories 1A or 1B) in childcare articles until 31 March 2023.

The report is expected to be complete in September 2023.