On 28 November 2022, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a consultation on a proposal for harmonised classification and labelling from Poland for Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) extract and essential oil. This consultation is open until 27 January 2023.
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) extracts and essential oil (CAS: 85085-48-9 / 68647-73-4; EC: 285-377-1) are ingredients listed in the CosIng, with different functions: antioxidant, fragrance…).
Currently, they are not regulated by the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and are not listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation.
Poland proposes to classify them as:
• Flam. Liq. 3, H226 - Flammable liquid and vapour
• Acute Tox. 4, H302 - Harmful if swallowed, oral: ATE = 1049 mg/kg bw
• Acute Tox. 4, H332 - Harmful if inhaled, inhalation: ATE = 3.64 mg/L (mist)
• Skin Irrit. 2, H315 - Causes skin irritation
• Skin Sens. 1B, H317 - May cause an allergic skin reaction
• Repr. 2, H361f - Suspected of damaging fertility
• Asp. Tox. 1, H304 - May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
• Aquatic Acute 1, H400 - Very toxic to aquatic life, M-factor M = 1
• Aquatic Chronic 3, H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
• Pictograms: GHS02, GHS07, GHS08, GHS09
• Warning statement: Dgr (Danger)
A classification as Repr. 2 (CMR2) could ultimately …
