On 2 February 2022, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) called on stakeholders to provide information on eight SVHCs that it is considering for inclusion in the REACH authorisation list. Among them, two can still be used in cosmetic products. The consultation is open until 2 May 2022.
ECHA considers recommending eight new substances for the European Commission to include in the Authorisation List (Annex XIV to REACH). If a substance is included in the Authorisation List, it can only be placed on the market or used after a given date if an authorisation is granted for a specific use. Companies that are using, manufacturing or importing these substances have to apply for authorisation.
ECHA invites further information on the uses of these substances, their possible exemptions from the authorisation requirement and on the structure and complexity of their supply chains.
The European Commission is also separately calling for information on the possible socio-economic consequences of including these substances in the Authorisation List. The information will be passed on directly to the Commission and will not be considered by ECHA.
Among the eight substances involved, six are already in Annex II (prohibited substances) to the Cosmetics Regulation, but two can still be used in cosmetic products:
• Glutaral (CAS 111-30-8; EC 203-856-5) is listed in Annex V (preservatives), entry 48, to the Cosmetics Regulation, with a maximum allowed concentration in finished products of 0.1%, except in aerosols (sprays) where it is prohibited
• Ethylenediamine (CAS 107-15-3; EC 203-468-6) …