On February 2, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has opened a three‑month public consultation on its draft recommendation to add four substances of very high concern (SVHCs) to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Industry stakeholders are invited to submit comments and supporting evidence by May 2, 2026.
Why This Consultation Matters?
Under EU REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006), SVHCs that pose serious risks to health, or the environment may be placed on the Authorisation List. Once listed, manufacturers, importers, and downstream users must obtain authorisation to continue using or importing these chemicals after the designated sunset date.
Key aims of REACH authorisation include:
The scope of CSRD obligations would be significantly reduced:
- Encouraging substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives.
- Ensuring rigorous risk controls where substitution isn’t possible.
- Protecting human health and the environment from SVHC exposure.
Substances Proposed for REACH Authorisation
| Substance | C Number | Intrinsic Property | Volume Scope | Typical Uses | Priority Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bumetrizole (UV-326) | 223-445-4 | vPvB | 1,000 – <10,000 t/y | UV stabiliser in plastics, rubber, coatings, adhesives, inks | Highly persistent and bioaccumulative; environmental concerns |
| 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol (UV-329) | 221-573-5 | vPvB | 1,000 – <10,000 t/y | UV absorber in plastics, rubber, coatings | Environmental persistence; widely used UV protectant |
| Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) | 204-112-2 | Endocrine disruptor | 100 – <1,000 t/y | Flame retardant and plasticiser in plastics, coatings | Endocrine disruptor; broad industrial use |
| 2-(dimethylamino)-2-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]-1-[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl]butan-1-one | 438-340-0 | Repr. 1B | 100 – <1,000 t/y | Photoinitiator in UV-curing inks, coatings, toners | Reproductive toxicity; used in industrial printing |
What ECHA Seeks from Stakeholders?
ECHA is requesting feedback on:
The scope of CSRD obligations would be significantly reduced:
- Current uses and volumes in EU markets.
- Possible exemptions for low-volume or specific uses.
- Supply chain structure and use in articles vs formulations.
- Alternative substances for safer substitution.
- Registrants’ dossier accuracy in official REACH records.
Regulatory Process & Key Dates?
| Action | Date |
|---|---|
| Public consultation opens | 2 Feb 2026 |
| Consultation closes | 2 May 2026 |
| Expected MSC opinion | Post consultation |
| Final submission to Commission | After MSC opinion |
Next Steps:
The scope of CSRD obligations would be significantly reduced:
- ECHA MSC review of consultation feedback.
- Final recommendation forwarded to the European Commission.
- Commission decision on listing substances in Annex XIV, setting sunset dates, latest application dates (LADs), and exemptions where applicable.
Implications for Industry
The scope of CSRD obligations would be significantly reduced:
- Companies must apply for authorisation to continue using listed substances.
- Unauthorised use post-sunset date will be prohibited in the EU.
- Applications may require socio-economic analyses, exposure and risk assessments, and exploration of alternatives.
How to Participate
Stakeholders can submit comments and supporting data via the ECHA consultation portal before May 2, 2026.
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