New updates relating to the Restrictions in Annex XVII of REACH

| Regulatory
Posted By: Trace One

Importance of Restrictions

regVII_1200Restrictions are a tool to protect human health and the environment from unacceptable risks posed by some chemicals. Restrictions, described in Annex XVII of Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH), may limit or ban the manufacture, placing on the market or use of a substance. Restrictions to which substances are potentially subjected have to be reported in Section 15 of the SDS.

What do these new Regulations bring to the table?

Regulation 2020/1149 introduces Restriction 74, relating to the use of Diisocyanates, O = C=N-R-N = C=O, with R an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon unit of unspecified length. These substances cannot be used on their own, as constituents of other substances or in mixtures for industrial and professional uses after August 24th 2023, unless:

  • the concentration of diisocyanates individually and in combination is less than 0,1 % by weight, or
  • the employer or self-employed ensures that industrial or professional user(s) have successfully completed training on the safe use of diisocyanates prior to the use of the substance(s) or mixture(s).

Regulation 2020/2081 introduces Restriction 75, relating to substances with harmonized classification containing carcinogen of category 1 A, 1B or 2, germ cell mutagen of category 1 A, 1B or 2, reproductive toxicant of category 1 A, 1B or 2, skin sensitization of category 1, 1A or 1B, skin corrosion of category 1, 1A, 1B or 1C and skin irritation of category 2, serious eye damage of category 1 or eye irritation of category 2 (excluding classified substances due to effects following exposure by inhalation only) and also relating to substances listed in Annex II or in some cases among the colorants allowed in Annex IV to Regulation on cosmetic products (1223/2009) in mixtures intended for tattooing purposes.

Finally, Regulation 2020/2096 brings significant changes to various Restrictions already present in Annex XVII, including:

  • Restriction 3: further clarifications are introduced relating to oil lamps and liquid lighters if labeled with the hazard statement H304.
  • Restrictions 22, 67 and 68 are removed
  • Removed the reference to the CAS and EC numbers of Nonylphenol for Restriction 46
  • Addition of some substances in appendices 2, 5 and 6 (with application date July 2021 for some substances, October 2021 for the others)

Trace One is already working on implementing and providing the update related to these new regulations.

For more information about the aforementioned regulations amending the Restrictions of Annex XVII, follow the following links:

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