SGS : EU – ECHA Launches First 2019 SVHC Consultation on Three Proposals

On March 13, 2019, European Chemical Agency (ECHA) opened its first public consultation of 2019 on three potential Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)[1].

SAFEGUARDS | Consumer Product NO. 038/19

The Candidate List will expand to 200 if these proposals are accepted. Interested parties have until April 29, 2019 to submit comments and further information on the use, exposure, alternatives and risks of these substances to ECHA.

The first SVHC consultation of 2019 includes three proposals, one of which is 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy) propanoic acid, its salts and its acyl halides. It belongs to the group of perfluorinated substances (PFAS) and is considered an SVHC because of its probable serious effects to the environment and human health. This substance is very persistent and very mobile in the aquatic environment in the form of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoate, which gives rise to an equivalent level of concern to other SVHCs. Its ammonium salt is used as a processing aid for the production of fluoro-polymers.

The second SVHC proposal is 2-methoxyethyl acetate, for its toxicity for reproduction, which may damage fertility and the unborn child. It will be the fifth glycol ether on the candidate list if its proposal is accepted. It is used as a solvent for gums, resins, waxes, and oils and in the manufacture of semiconductors, textile printing and photographic films.

The remaining substance, tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite (TNPP), is a UVCB and is identified as an SVHC candidate for containing 0.1% w/w 4-nonylphenol, branched and linear as endocrine disruptors for the environment. TNPP is primarily used as a stabilizer in rubbers and plastic products, as well as a binding agent in paints and coatings or adhesives.

The potential uses of these potential SVHCs are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Possible uses of the potential SVHCs in the Consultation List published by ECHA on March 13, 2019

No.	Substance	CAS No. / EC No.	Classification	Potential uses
1	2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoic acid, its salts and its acyl halides (covering any of their individual isomers and combinations thereof)	- / -	EQC	Its ammonium salt is used as processing aid for the production of fluoro-polymers
2	2-methoxyethyl acetate	110-49-6 / 203-772-9	Repr. 1B	Used as a solvent for gums, resins, waxes, and oils and in the manufacture of semiconductors, textile printing and photographic films
3	Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite (TNPP) with ≥ 0.1% w/w of 4-nonylphenol, branched and linear (4-NP)	- / -	EQC	Used as a stabilizer in rubbers and plastic products Manufacture of coating and adhesives

Abbreviations

EQC: Equivalent level of concern
Repr. 1B: Toxic for reproduction category 1B
UVCBs: Substance of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products or biological materials

SGS is committed to providing information about development in regulations for consumer products as complimentary services. Through a global network of laboratories, SGS provides a wide range of services including physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

For enquiries, please contact:

Emily Lam
Assistant R&D Manager
t: [phone]

Stay on top of regulatory changes within your industry: subscribe to SafeGuardS!

Read more articles for the Consumer Goods and Retail industry

_{© SGS Group Management SA - 2019 - All rights reserved - SGS is a registered trademark of SGS Group Management SA. This is a publication of SGS, except for 3rd parties' contents submitted or licensed for use by SGS. SGS neither endorses nor disapproves said 3rd parties contents. This publication is intended to provide technical information and shall not be considered an exhaustive treatment of any subject treated. It is strictly educational and does not replace any legal requirements or applicable regulations. It is not intended to constitute consulting or professional advice. The information contained herein is provided 'as is' and SGS does not warrant that it will be error-free or will meet any particular criteria of performance or quality. Do not quote or refer any information herein without SGS's prior written consent.}