Another SVHC to be introduced in the candidate list due to its endocrine disrupting properties

On 25 February 2016, Germany submitted to the ECHA a proposal to identify 3-benzylidne camphor as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its endocrine disrupting properties.

On 8 June 2016, the ECHA Member State Committee (MSC) adopted its opinion. While a majority of the MSC members considered that 3-benzylidne camphor should be identified as a substance of very high concern, the MSC did not reach unanimous agreement. Three members abstained and two members expressed doubts about the reliability of a key scientific study and stated that there is not sufficient evidence to demonstrate that 3-benzylidene camphor poses an equivalent level of concern.

On 22 June 2016, pursuant to Article 59(9) of REACH, the Agency referred the MSC opinion to the Commission for a decision. The Commission notes that the adverse effect caused by 3-benzylidne camphor is of a severity similar to those of other substances which have been identified as SVHC due to their endocrine disrupting properties and that  3-benzylidne camphor induces irreversible effect at a concentration level lower to the ones inducing a classification as Category Chronic 1 for long-term aquatic hazards to the aquatic environment. 

The European Commission concluded that 3-benzylidne camphor should be identified as a substance of very high concern pursuant to Article 57(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 due to its endocrine disrupting properties with probable serious effects to the environment.

Link to draft EU Commission Implementing Decision