November 7, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has officially announced the 32nd batch of 1 substances of very high concern (SVHC), bringing the total number of substances on the SVHC list (also known as the Candidate List) to 242.

Six substances added to the SVHC Candidate List; 22 chemical substances set for upcoming REACH registration testing approval; public consultations launched on CLH proposals for two chemicals.

The European Commission announced updates to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation with new restrictions on N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and N-ethylpyrrolidone (NEP). It submitted Notification G/TBT/N/EU/1079 to the WTO on July 30, 2024. These changes are set to take effect 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal. Annex XVII restricts the use of certain hazardous chemicals in the EU market. The inclusion of DMAC and NEP will subject these chemicals to strict regulatory oversight, ensuring that all products containing them, whether produced or sold in the EU, meet stringent safety standards to protect health and the environment.

On July 23, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced adjustments to administrative fines under the EU REACH Regulation, effective from July 22, 2024. This update aims to increase transparency, ensure fairness in fee structures, and align fees with actual business costs.

ECHA Enforcement Forum launched REF-14 to ensure products containing hazardous mixtures are correctly classified, labeled, and packaged.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has officially announced the 31st batch of 1 substances of very high concern (SVHC), bringing the total number of substances on the SVHC list (also known as the Candidate List) to 241.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a consultation on an application submitted by its Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (CTACSub 2) for the authorization of Chromium trioxide (EC 215-607-8, CAS 1333-82-0). This application covers twelve specific uses across three categories: mixture formulation, functional chrome plating on components, and surface treatments in aerospace and other industries.

In accordance with REACH regulations, before conducting tests under Annex IX and X (for registration volumes of 100-1,000 tons per year and over 1,000 tons per year), registrants must submit a testing proposal (TP). After a consultation period, ECHA will finalize the testing requirements based on feedback and the characteristics of the substance.

On May 16, 2024, the European Commission amended Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6). Under the 2006 REACH regulation, the amendment imposes stricter limits on the use of these chemicals in wash-off cosmetics and other consumer and professional products.

ECHA released the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP) for the years 2024-2026, which updates a list of 28 substances suspected to pose risks to human health and the environment for evaluation by the competent authorities of 11 Member States.