The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that during its October meeting, the Member State Committee (MSC) agreed to identify 1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (DBDPE) (EC 284-366-9, CAS 84852-53-9) as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC). The classification is based on DBDPE’s very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties.
ECHA plans to formally add DBDPE to the Candidate List of SVHCs in November 2025.
Implications for Industry
Once listed, DBDPE will be subject to regular obligations under REACH regulations. Its identification also supports ongoing restriction work on brominated flame retardants, a group of chemicals used widely in consumer products to reduce flammability.
Additionally, this SVHC classification aligns with timelines for potentially transferring the substance to the list of harmonised entries under the CLP Regulation.
Additional Decisions by MSC
Beyond the SVHC identification, the MSC agreed via written procedure on:
• Two substance evaluation cases
• One dossier evaluation case
These decisions contribute to the EU’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safe use of chemicals and to regulate substances that pose environmental and health risks.
Visit ECHA’s official website for updates and detailed documentation following the Candidate List update in November.
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