Chemicals & Plastics

In 2018, the EU’s RoHS Directive assessment project Pack15 proposed adding seven substances, including TBBP-A and MCCPs, to the RoHS Directive’s restricted list. On December 10, 2024, the EU abandoned its plan to restrict Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) under the RoHS Directive.

The European Commission revised the Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or toxic to Reproduction (CMR) substances list within REACH’s Annex XVII , introducing three key changes.

This article compiles the chemical regulation updates for November in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

The European Commission has announced its intention to withdraw approval for the use of ethylene oxide as a surface disinfectant in biocidal products, citing that the chemical’s applications do not align with the scope of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). This decision is set to impact the regulatory status of ethylene oxide under the EU’s stringent health and environmental standards.

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has fully added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to its Substances of Very High Concern (ZZS) list. This action emphasizes the need for Dutch companies to significantly reduce PFAS use and emissions.

The Biocidal Products Regulation Group (BPRS) is set to launch a new enforcement project (BEF-3) in January 2025.

On November 20, 2024, the European Union published Commission Regulation 2024/2865 (REGULATION (EU) 2024/2865 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL) in its Official Journal, amending the EU CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labeling, and packaging of substances and mixtures). The amendment regulation takes effect on December 10, 2024, with most provisions becoming mandatory from July 1, 2026 (18 months), and the remaining provisions applicable from January 1, 2027 (24 months).

On December 3, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce of China announced that it will strengthen the control on dual-use items exported to the United States in order to safeguard the national security and interests, and to fulfill international non-proliferation obligations. The announcement takes effect immediately from the date of publication.

On November 12, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to exempt the compound (Z)-1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HCFO-1224yd(Z), CAS number 111512-60-8) from being classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) due to its minimal impact on tropospheric ozone formation. Public comments are welcome via https://www.regulations.gov/ until January 13, 2025.

On November 20, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) together with authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, released a detailed report outlining the latest developments in restricting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. The report is based on over 5,600 pieces of scientific and technical feedbacks collected during the public consultation period in 2023, aiming to update and refine the management strategy for PFAS.

On October 2, 2024, the European Commission issued Regulation EU 2024/2576, approving the compound 2-methyl-4-oxo-3-(prop-2-ynyl)cyclopent-2-en-1-yl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate for use in Type 18 biocidal products under EU Regulation No. 528/2012.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released the Guidance on the Application of the CLP Criteria on its official website on November 13, 2024. Unlike the single document versions released from 2009 to 2024, the new guidance is split into five separate document, covering overview, general principles for classification and labeling, physical hazards, health hazards, environmental hazards and other hazards.

In October 2024, the European Commission approved silver zinc zeolite (SZZ, CAS number: 130328-20-0) for use in biocides including disinfectants and preservatives for fibers, leather, rubber, and polymers. Compliance with specific regulations is mandatory. A transition period has been established to support industry adaptation.

The European Poison Centre (PCN) reminded businesses that the transition period (January-December 2024) is concluding.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its final risk assessment for the flame retardant Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), identifying significant risks to both human health and the environment. The findings link TCEP to kidney cancer, neurological and renal damage, and reduced fertility.