European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) Member State Committee adopted a consensus opinion that the following seven Substances of Very High Concern should be included in the Authorization List:
· musk xylene – a fragrance enhancer which is used for example in detergents, fabric softeners and fabric conditioners
· 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA) – a hardener which is used for example in epoxy resins and adhesives
· short chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) – a substance mostly used as flame retardant and/or plasticizer in various applications such as high-performance rubber, sealants, paints or textile coating
· hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) – a flame retardant which is used for example in polystyrene, which is then further processed for the production of insulation panels/boards or packaging products, and in textile applications
· bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) – a plasticizer which is used in a wide range of PVC and other polymers applications, such as for example flooring, roofing, coated fabrics, medical devices or primary packaging of medicinal products, as well as in various preparations such as for example sealants, adhesives and inks
· benzylbutylphthalate (BBP) – a plasticizer which is used for example in polymer products, and in particular in PVC for flooring applications, in textile and leather coating, as well as in various other preparations such as sealants, coating and inks or adhesives
· dibutylphthalate (DBP) – a specialist plasticizer which is used in particular in various polymer (PVC/non-PVC) applications (such as floor covering or primary packaging of medicinal products), and as a component of various preparations such as adhesives or paints
ECHA is expected to finalize its recommendation regarding these substances and submit it to the European Commission by June 1. The final decision as to whether these substances will be subject to Authorization will be made by the European Commission.