On 11 October 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) had published France’s intention to introduce restrictions on the marketing of mixtures containing Octocrylene, a UV filter used in sunscreen products and other cosmetics, under the REACH Regulation. The restriction dossier was due to be submitted on 4 October 2024. This date has just been postponed.
Following publication of this intention of restriction on 11 October 2023, Anses, the French agency responsible for preparing the dossier, opened a call for contributions as part of its RMOA (Regulatory Management Option Analysis). Stakeholders had until 10 January 2024 to submit their information.
The Anses justified this intention of restriction on the grounds of the environmental risks posed by Octocrylene to non-target organisms in the aquatic environment (freshwater, seawater), including sediments, and to consumers of human drinking water due to groundwater contamination.
It was specified that the risks are mainly observed during the specific use of Octocrylene as a UV filter in cosmetic ingredients.
Initially, submission of the restriction dossier was scheduled for 4 October 2024. ECHA has just announced that this date has been postponed to 10 January 2025, “due to internal planning considerations.”
Sources
• Submission of octocrilene restriction report postponed, ECHA Weekly, 31 January 2024
• Registry of restriction intentions until outcome - Octocrilene, 29 January 2024 (latest update)
