Highlights from November RAC and SEAC meetings

ECHA/NR/23/32

The Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) adopted its opinion supporting France’s proposal to restrict creosote and related substances. The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) adopted eight opinions on harmonised classification and labelling. One of these concerns tea-tree oil, where the committee recommends adding reproductive toxicity as the most stringent classification.

Helsinki, 7 December 2023 – SEAC adopted its final opinion endorsing the proposal to restrict placing on the market, reuse and banning the secondary use of wood treated with creosote and related substances. The input received during the 60-day consultation of SEAC's draft opinion did not lead to significant changes in the final opinion.

On the broad proposal to restrict PFAS, the committees were given on overview of the 5 642 comments received from individuals and organisations during the six-month consultation. ECHA is currently discussing a joint plan on how to best evaluate the proposal with the five national authorities, who prepared it. Once agreed, the plan will be made public.

Both RAC and SEAC adopted seven opinions for authorisation for the use of chromium trioxide and RAC adopted eight opinions on harmonised classification and labelling. These opinions include those for:

Plant protection products:

• Tea-tree oil: RAC concluded that classifications were warranted in nine hazard classes, with reproductive toxicity (cat. 1B) being the most stringent.
• Flazasulfuron: RAC agreed to add two additional classifications, including reproductive toxicity (cat. 2). It also agreed to add M-factors to the existing classifications for environmental hazards.
• Fosthiazate: RAC agreed to add four additional classifications, including reproductive toxicity (cat. 1B). It also concluded on updates to the existing classifications for acute toxicity.
• Penconazole: RAC agreed to add one new classification (STOT RE 2) and for existing classifications, to add an acute toxicity estimate and to modify an M-factor.

Industrial chemicals :

• Reactive Brown 51: RAC concluded that classification of the substance was warranted in two hazard classes, including reproductive toxicity (cat 1B).
• HPMA: RAC concluded that classification of the substance was warranted in three hazard classes.
• HEMA: RAC agreed to add one new classification to the substance (STOT SE 3).
• 4-phenylbenzophenone: RAC concluded that classification of the substance was warranted in four hazard classes, including reproductive toxicity (cat 1B).

Additionally, RAC adopted its opinion on the scientific evaluation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for some nitrosamines. These substances are used in industrial sectors such as rubber, metal processing, chemical, leather and textiles, and foundries (iron and steel).

More details about these opinions can be found in the annex and by listening to our podcast with the RAC Chair Roberto Scazzola and the Chair of SEAC, María Ottati.

Press contact: Hanna Torkkeli, press@echa.europa.eu, +358 50 416 8585