12-04-2023: The ECHA proposes adding eight compounds, including lead, to the REACH Authorization List with the objective of ensuring the safety of the environment and employees.

Background

The authorization process aims at improving the substitution of substances of very high concern when technically and economically possible substitutes are available. Until this point is attained, the objective is to ensure effective control of dangers to the environment and human health.

The 11th edition of ECHA’s endorsement consists of the following substances:

• Ethylenediamine;
• 2-(4-tertbutylbenzyl)propionaldehyde and its individual stereoisomers;
• Lead;
• Glutaral;
• 2-methyl-1-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-morpholinopropan-1-one;
• 2-benzyl-2- dimethylamino-4’-morpholinobutyrophenone;
• Diisohexyl phthalate; and
• Orthoboric acid, sodium salt

ECHA has ranked these substances from the Candidate List of substances of very high concern for this proposal as being of the highest priority, following the agreed approach in 2014.

Also, the enclosure of the lead in the draft recommendation announced on February 2, 2022, produced many comments during the conference. It led to an active discussion in ECHA’s Member State Committee related to the right time and its mixture with other ongoing or scheduled regulatory activities, as well as the presumed workload for industry and authorities at the upcoming stages.