EU Chemicals Agency Calls for Information on Phthalates

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued a call for evidence on four phthalates:  DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP.  These four substances are already subject to a usage ban in the EU under REACH.  In the call for evidence, ECHA is considering a general restriction on these substances, which could affect a range of imported goods.  The usage ban, effective Feb. 21, 2015, permits the use of these substances if they apply for specific authorizatoins under REACH.  Under the current restriction, products cannot exceed a concentration of 0.1 percent by weight.   ECHA is considering banning the use of these four phthalates in all products.  The current call for evidenct, which runs through June 24, was issued jointly with the Danish Environmental Protection Agency.  In July 2014, the Danish Agency abandoned a planned national ban due to a judicial ruling by the EU Court of Justice and stated that it would work instead for an EU-ban on these specific phthalates in products.