Call for an EU-Wide Ban on PFAS in Firefighting Foams

SEAC has adopted its final opinion supporting a gradual ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams. The restriction could reduce PFAS emissions into the environment by around 13 200 tonnes over 30 years. Helsinki, 22 June 2023 – ECHA\’s Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) considers that the proposed restriction on the placing on the market, use and formulation of PFAS in firefighting foams is the most appropriate EU-wide measure to address the identified risks. This takes into account available alternatives and the balance between the restriction’s benefits and costs to society. These conclusions follow an opinion on the risks adopted by ECHA’s Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) in March 2023. SEAC suggests, however, that a review of available fluorine-free alternatives for sites that produce, treat or store dangerous substances (covered by the Seveso Directive) and those neighbouring them is carried out before the end of the 10-year transition period. Similarly, a review would be needed for…

Aug. 02nd, 2023

EU Adds 24 CMR Substances to REACH Restriction List

Restriction on the newly added 24 CMR substances will apply from December 1, 2023. On June 8, 2023, European Commission announced to add 24 entries of CMR substances to Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. The list of substances was published in Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1132 on the Official Journal of the European Union on June 9. The amendment will come into force on December 1, 2023. As required by Annex XVII, any substances classified as categories 1A or 1B carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxicant (CMRs) will be prohibited from being placed on the market, used, or supplied to the general public. This restriction applies to substances listed in Appendices 1 to 6 of Appendix XVII and to mixtures containing substances above specified concentration. The details of the amendments are shown below:  1. In Appendix 2: Add 4 carcinogenic substances (category 1A) as follows: Substances Index No EC No CAS…

Jul. 05th, 2023

June 2023: Chemical Regulatory Updates in Europe and the Americas

This is a collection of regulatory updates in Europe and North America, including EU REACH, UK REACH, and US TSCA. European Union, United Kingdom & Turkey On June 14, 2023, ECHA has added the two chemicals to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC), which now contains 235 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment. Companies have legal obligations resulting from the inclusion of substances in the Candidate List. (Read more) More regulation highlights in EU: ECHA Sees Rise in Alternatives to Animal Testing for Chemical Safety Assessments ECHA’s Committees: EU-wide PFAS Ban in Firefighting Foams Warranted Product Passports Increase Chemical Transparency and Drive the Market Towards Safer Products New EU Chemicals Enforcement Project to Focus on Products Sold Online EU Adds 24 CMR Substances to REACH Restriction List  North America On June 22, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule to…

Jun. 30th, 2023

June 2023: Chemical Regulatory Updates in APAC Region

This is a collection of regulatory updates in Asia-Pacific regions, including China REACH, K-REACH, Japan CSCL, etc. 🇨🇳China On June 16, 2023, China\’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) opened up a public consultation on the drafts of GB 30000.1 Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals—Part 1: General specifications and GB 30000.X Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals— Part X: Desensitized explosives. Comments are welcome before August 16, 2023. (Read more) More regulation highlights in China: China MEE Updates IECSC: 43 Chemicals Added in June 2023 China Bans Five Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) China Releases Recommended List of 23 Alternatives for HCFCs China MEE to Update Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals China Proposes Two New Standards for Dangerous Goods Packaging Taiwan Region to Upgrade EPA to Ministry Taiwan Region to Draft New Act to Boost Recycling 🇰🇷South Korea On June 1, 2023, by NIER Announcement No.2023-21 and NIER Announcement No.2023-22, South Korea\’s NIER made public the adopted amendments to the TCSL and the GHS…

Jun. 30th, 2023

DecaBDE and PFOA to Face Tighter Controls in Australia

Import or export of decaBDE and PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds will require for prior AICIS authorization. The Australian government recently announced that new rules will be implemented in mid-2023 for decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts, and PFOA-related compounds, as part of the government\’s efforts to protect the environment and human health from the potential risks posed by these target chemicals. New Rules on DecaBDE and PFOA According to the notice issued on June 20, 2023, these target chemicals are proposed to be added to the list of chemicals requiring AICIS authorization. The control over these chemicals will be tightened in Australia. Once new rules come into force, importers and exporters of these chemicals must do the following: Cease any new import or export of decaBDE and PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds if you are currently importing or exporting these chemicals. Apply to AICIS for import…

Jun. 27th, 2023

China MEE to Update Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals

On June 16, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) issued a notice to seek public comments on the proposed updates to the Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals. Comments are welcome before June 26, 2023. The Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals was established in 2005 to improve the implementation of international conventions such as the Stockholm Convention, the Minamata Convention, and the Rotterdam Convention. Since then, it has been updated several times, with the current version being the 2020 version that lists eight types of chemicals, including PFOS, mercury, and PCT. The recently proposed updates include: addition DecaBDE and PFOA, update of CAS numbers, and permitted usages of SCCPs, deletion of some permitted usages of certain listed chemicals, e.g., PFOS, deletion of HBCD. Enterprises that plan to import or export any of the listed chemicals must apply for the Clearance Notification for Environmental Management on Import/Export of Toxic Chemicals to the MEE. Once the draft…

Jun. 25th, 2023

China Releases Recommended List of 23 Alternatives for HCFCs

The List recommends 23 alternatives for HCFC-22, HCFC-141b, and HCFC-142b. On June 12, 2023, China\’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a notice to issue Recommended List of Alternatives for Ozone Depleting Substances in China, aiming to accelerate the phase-out of HCFCs as mandated by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. As a signatory of the Montreal Protocol, China has issued the First Batch of Recommended List of Alternatives for Ozone Depleting Substances(ODS) in 2004 and later its amendment in 2007 to replace and eventually phase out the production and consumption of four ozone-depleting substances (ODS), namely CFCs, halon, methyl bromide and methyl chloroform. Now, China is carrying out the phase-out and replacement of the final type of ODShydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). At present, there are five types of HCFCs produced and used in China, with HCFC-22, HCFC-141b, and HCFC-142b accounting for 99% of total production. The List recommends 23 substitutes for…

Jun. 25th, 2023

China Adopts UN GHS Rev.8 & New Hazard Class for Explosives

China to finalize GB 30000.1 to adopt UN GHS Rev.8 and introduce a new hazard class for desensitized explosives under its GHS system. On June 16, 2023, China\’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) opened up a public consultation on the drafts of GB 30000.1 Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals—Part 1: General specifications and GB 30000.X Rules for classification and labeling of chemicals— Part X: Desensitized explosives. Comments are welcome before August 16, 2023. In 2013, China published 28 compulsory national standards (GB 30000.2 ~29) with each standard corresponding to one hazard class in reference to GHS Rev.4. GB 13690-2009 General rules for the classification and hazard communication of chemicals was originally scheduled to be revised in 2012 and replaced by GB 30000.1 for general specifications. In 2014, the draft was finalized for review after public consultation. However, it was delayed due to governmental structural shifts in 2015, causing a long-term vacancy of GB 30000.1. GB 30000.1…

Jun. 25th, 2023

China Proposes Two New Standards for Dangerous Goods Packaging

If approved, they will take effect 12 months later after their official publication. Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is soliciting public comments on two new standards regarding packaging for dangerous goods. These two standards have been under formulation for years since December 2014 when the MIIT published a plan to initialize the project, which are devised to be in line with the UN Recommendation on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations (Rev. 22nd) and certain domestic standards (e.g., GB 28644.1 and GB 28644.2). On June 16, 2023, the authority publicized these two drafts to solicit public comments due by August 16, 2023. Once approved, they will be implemented as mandatory national standards. As planned, they are expected to take effect 12 months later after their official publication. Source: ChemLinked Contact Us If you have any questions regarding the transport of dangerous goods, please feel free to contact us. Email: customer@reach24h.com Tel:…

Jun. 25th, 2023

South Korea Revises MSDS Standards [Expert Analysis Available]

The Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) officially released the revised Standards for Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances and Material Safety Data Sheet (MoEL Public Notice No. 2023-9) on February 15, 2023, following the updates proposed in January. These revisions offer additional clarity on the definition of \”manufacture\” and outline the requirements for submitting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Confidential Business Information (CBI) related to contract manufacturing. As of January 16, 2021, new requirements for online MSDS submission were implemented in South Korea. To support the industry, grace periods ranging from 1-5 years based on tonnage band have been implemented. The revised Standards provide detailed guidelines for MSDS submission. Don\’t miss our upcoming REACH24H webinar, where our team of experts will provide valuable insights on the latest updates to the MSDS Standards and other GHS regulatory changes in Korea. Learn how to stay compliant with the latest regulations and receive practical advice for your business. Register now to stay informed…

Jun. 20th, 2023
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