Over two-thirds of downstream users (EU-based importers) are not compliant with REACH and CLP, inspectors from ECHA’s Enforcement Forum have found.
Of the 1,181 companies inspected, 67% did not comply with one or more provisions of these pieces of legislation. Non-compliance was most commonly related to contraventions of REACH pre-registration obligations (8%), the notification process under CLP (15%), failure to keep the necessary data (20%) and having deficient risk management measures (12%).
Of the inspected safety data sheets (SDSs), 52% showed deficiencies. In 24% of companies there was a lack of correspondence between the information in the SDS and that on the label of the substance or mixture. In reaction to contraventions, inspectors have taken various measures, such as verbal or written advice, administrative orders, fines and criminal complaints.
ECHA has set down a raft of recommendations, including;
• a call to industry to carry out further knowledge building concerning REACH and CLP.
• for companies to make use of the ECHA website, and national competent authorities, to gain a deeper knowledge of the REACH and CLP regulations.
• strengthening of cooperation between the authorities enforcing REACH and CLP in different member states.
Source: European Chemicals Agency, additional reporting by Chemical Watch, September 2013.
ECHA launches first consultation on authorisation application
ECHA has launched the first public consultation on an application for authorisation under REACH.
Following from Registration and Evaluation, initiated in 2006, the next steps under the REACH legislation include Authorisations. This step intends to limit the use of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), only authorising these substances if no viable alternative exists.
The application, submitted by the UK aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce, is for use of a mixture containing the phthalate DEHP (CAS 117-81-7) in the manufacture of titanium fan blades where it is said to provide “key functionality in the diffusion bonding process”.
The Socio-Economic Analysis report submitted with the application says that 9,000 blades are made each year using the process, requiring less than 1 tonne/year of DEHP. The Analysis of Alternatives report says that Rolls-Royce has assessed four potential alternatives: two are not viable, but the other two, both based on yttrium oxide, do show some promise. The application says that any alternative will take between 5-10 years to be fully developed and ready to use – a process that will cost a significant amount.
The consultation, which enables interested parties to submit relevant information on alternatives, will run until 9 October.
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