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13 new chemicals named for REACH Authorization List

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January 16, 2012

Keep in mind that there are three major substance lists under Europe's REACH regulation:
- REACH (SVHC) Candidate List (users have only an information obligation > 0.1%)
- REACH Annex IV Authorisation List (contains only SVHC substances from the Candidate List, some -- not all -- of them.  Users need specific authorisation to use these)
- REACH Annex XVII Restriction List (formerly called the restricted substances directive, with substances that are banned for specific uses)

The 13 new chemicals were proposed for the Authorisation List under REACH on Dec 21, 2011. What everyone wants to know is which chemicals were named and which will make the list.  The answer is that most, if not all, will make the list and thus require authorization for uses in the EU.  As for the main question, below please find the list of 13 chemicals named for Authorization List and their (broadstroke) uses:

1. Trichloroethylene (carcinogen). A substance mainly used in surface cleaning, in textile scouring, in adhesives and as a heat transfer fluid.
2. Chromium trioxide (carcinogen, mutagen). A substance mainly used for metal finishing and as a catalyst.
3. Acids generated from chromium trioxide and their oligomers (group containing: chromic acid, dichromic acid, oligomers of chromic acid and dichromic acid) (carcinogen). A substance that could be used to replace chromium trioxide in many of its uses.
4. Sodium dichromate (carcinogen, mutagen, toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used in metal surface treatment.
5. Potassium dichromate (carcinogen, mutagen, toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used in metal surface treatment and as a processing aid.
6. Ammonium dichromate (carcinogen, mutagen, toxic for reproduction). A substance with currently no uses in the scope of authorisation. It could however be used to replace other chromium(VI) substances.
7. Potassium chromate (carcinogen, mutagen). A substance mainly used in metal surface treatment.
8. Sodium chromate (carcinogen, mutagen, toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used in metal surface treatment.
9. Cobalt(II) sulphate (carcinogen, toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used in surface treatment processes and as a water treatment chemical, oxygen scavenger and corrosion inhibitor.
10. Cobalt dichloride (carcinogen, toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used in surface treatment processes and as a water treatment chemical, oxygen scavenger and corrosion inhibitor.
11. Cobalt(II) dinitrate (carcinogen, toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used in surface treatment processes and as a water treatment chemical, oxygen scavenger and corrosion inhibitor.
12. Cobalt(II) carbonate (carcinogen, toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used in fertilisers and in surface treatment processes.
13. Cobalt(II) diacetate (carcinogen, toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used as a catalyst and in surface treatment processes.

The final decision on the inclusion of the substances in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation will be made by the European Commission. Then, as of a specific date (called a "sunset date") substances on the Authorisation List can only be used within the EU for those uses for which an authorisation has been specifically granted.

Difference between REACH Lists

For more on the difference between Authorization List and Candidate List, there are articles on the web and on the ECHA web site that try to clear this up.

The authorization procedure

The authorization procedure under REACH regulation aims to lower the risks from Substances of Very High Concern, making sure they are properly controlled and that these substances are progressively replaced by suitable alternatives.

Substances with the following hazard properties may be identified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs):

1. Substances meeting the criteria for classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction category 1A or 1B in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CMR substances)
2. Substances which are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) according to REACH (Annex XIII)
3. Substances identified on a case-by-case basis, for which there is scientific evidence of probable serious effects that cause an equivalent level of concern as with CMR or PBT/vPvB substances

After a two-step regulatory process, SVHCs may be included in the Authorisation List and become subject to authorisation. These substances cannot be placed on the market or used after a given date, called a "sunset date," unless an authorisation is granted for their specific use, or the use is exempted from authorisation.

Manufacturers, importers or downstream users of a substance on the Authorisation List can apply for authorisation.  Contact ECHA or your REACH compliance software provider for more information on the steps to compliance.