ECHA – Highlights from the September RAC and SEAC Meetings

Highlights from the September RAC and SEAC Meetings

The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socioeconomic Analysis (SEAC) reached provisional conclusions on the recommendation to restrict PFAS in three sectors at their meeting in September.

RAC and SEAC Committees, in their final meetings for 2024, discussed the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) restriction of the substance in the EU-wide proposaL for the following sectors:

Construction products;
Textiles, upholstery, leather, clothing, and carpets
Food contact materials and packaging.

The committees also announced other sectors they will evaluate at upcoming meetings. In March, they are expected to discuss fluorinated gases, transportation, and energy applications for the first time. After March, the next sectors to be discussed are:

Lubricants
Medical devices
Electronics and semiconductors

Other outcomes of the September meetings:

*** RAC adopted 12 opinions on harmonised classification and labeling of dangerous substances. The most notable of these is Talc (Mg3H2(SiO3)4) (EC 238-877-9, CAS 14807-96-6), which is used in a wide range of production processes in different industries as a filler component (including pharmaceuticals), carrier, release agent, processing aid (reactive or non-reactive) and anti-caking agent (food), as well as in cosmetics, personal care products and body powders as “cosmetic grade talc”.

The Committee recommended adding the following classification:

Carcinogen 1B, H350 (may cause cancer); and
STOT RE 1, H372 (substance causing lung damage through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation).

*** Regarding authorization applications, the RAC and SEAC agreed on 14 draft opinions. In addition, the RAC adopted a draft opinion on a review report.

For a detailed review of the meeting outcome.

For more detailed information about KKDIK Regulation & REACH Compliance Service, please contact contact our Chemical Assessment Specialists.