On August 23, 2021, ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) launched a consultation on a proposal to amend the harmonized classification and labelling of Formic Acid, which is listed in Annex V of Regulation 1223/2009 (list of preservatives allowed in cosmetic products in Europe).
Formic acid (CAS: 64-18-6 - CE: 200-579-1 - INCI: Formic Acid) is listed in the CosIng with the functions of fragrance, preservative and pH adjuster.
It is regulated in Annex V, entry 14, to Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, with a limited maximum concentration in finished products of 0.5% (in acid).
It is currently listed in Annex VI, entry 607-001-00-0, to Regulation CLP 1272/2008, with the classification of Skin Corr. 1A - H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, the pictogram GHS05 and the hazard statement Dgr (Danger).
Belgium proposes to amend this entry 607-001-00-0 as follows.
Classification
• Metal Corr. - H290: May be corrosive to metals
• Flam. Liq. 3 - H226: Flammable liquid and vapour
• Acute Tox. 4 (oral) - H302:Harmful if swallowed
• Acute Tox. 3 (Inhalation - vapour) - H331: Toxic if inhaled
• Skin Corr./Irrit. 1A - H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
• Eye Dam./Irrit. 1 - H318: Causes serious eye damage
Pictograms, hazard statements
• GHS05, GHS02, GHS06
• Dgr (Danger)
Specific Concentrations Limits, M-factors and ATEs
• Metal Corr.: C ≥85%
• Flam. Liq. 3: C ≥99% …
