ECHA is looking for information on alternative substances

The authorisation process aims to ensure that substances of very high concern (SVHCs) are progressively replaced by less dangerous substances or technologies where technically and economically feasible alternatives are available. The authorisation process involves three steps: i) identification of SVHCs; ii) recommendation for inclusion in the Authorisation List; and iii) applications for authorisation. ECHA consults the public during all three steps and encourages all interested parties to get involved and give their views.

Following the inclusion of a substance in the Annex XIV of REACH, manufacturers, importers or downstream users must be authorized by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) if they want to continue to place it on the market or to use is. Authorisations is granted if the applicant can demonstrate that the risk from the use of the substance is adequately controlled. If not, an authorisation may still be granted when it is proven that the socio-economic benefits of using the substance outweigh the risks and there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies. As part of the process, following the reception of an application, ECHA publishes information on the uses of the substance related to the application so anyone can provide information on possible alternative substances or technologies. 

ECHA has recently received applications for authorisation for several uses associated to four substances. The application for authorisation process includes a period of public consultation. It lasts for eight weeks. Click on the substances to access their respective world regulatory maps; from there, if you have already created a free account, you can also click on "Add to my substances" to remain update on their regulatory status across the world.

CHROMIUM TRIOXIDE

• Use in formulation of mixtures
• Functional Chrome Plating
  
• Functional chrome plating with decorative character
  
• Surface treatment for applications in the aeronautics and aerospace industries, unrelated to Functional chrome plating or Functional chrome plating with decorative character
• Surface treatment (except passivation of tin-plated steel (ETP)) for applications in various industry sectors namely architectural, automotive, metal manufacturing and finishing, and general engineering (unrelated to Functional chrome plating or Functional chrome plating with decorative character)
• Passivation of tin-plated steel (ETP)

SODIUM CHROMATE 

• use as anticorrosion agent of the carbon steel cooling system in absorption refrigerators up to 0.75% by weight (Cr6+) in the cooling solution 

SODIUM DICHROMATE

• use in copper/lead separation in concentrators handling complex sulphide ores

1,2-DICHLOROETHANE

• use as process and extracting solvent in the manufacture of plant-derived pharmaceutical bioactive ingredients

Further information about the uses that authorisation is applied for, including the description of the function of the substance, exposure scenarios, possible alternatives identified by the applicants, together with socio-economic information, is available on ECHA’s website. Comments can be submitted using a form on ECHA website. The consultation period closes on 7 October 2015.

Related links:

• ECHA consultation page
• Information on application for authorisation
• REACH Authorisation