On September 1, 2020, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public comment on two potential substances of very high concern (SVHCs). The two substances reviewed in this review are tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether and dioctyl tin dilaurate, stannane, dioctyl-, bis(cocoyloxy) derivatives, and any other stannane, dioctyl tin Group-, bis(fatty acyloxy) derivative, where C12 is the main carbon number of the fatty acyloxy moiety. The public comment will end on October 16, 2020, during which all stakeholders can submit comments to ECHA. The approved substances will be included in the SVHC candidate list as the 24th batch of substances.

Information about the 2 new substances reviewed

Examples of common uses

Substance 1: [2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl) ether]

Used in flue gas cleaning systems, solvents for the production of paint adhesives, coagulants in paint formulations, adhesive production, electrodeposition, solder/solder paste production, adsorption liquid gas washing, paint strippers and degumming agents, Used to extract VOCs from solid waste, inert additives for fixing methylated methylol melamine resin in pressure-resistant cotton and fiber fabrics, HFC/CFC lubricants in automobile air-conditioning compressors, lithium battery technology, and promotion of cell adhesion The protein is selectively adsorbed and used as an emulsifier in ink.

Substance 2: [Dioctyltin dilaurate, stannane, dioctyl-, bis(coco acyloxy) derivs., and any other stannane, dioctyl-, bis(fatty acyloxy) derivs. wherein C12 is the predominant carbon number of the fatty acyloxy moiety]

Used in adhesives and sealants, coatings and paints, thinners, paint removers, fillers, putty, plaster, modeling clay, metal surface treatment products, non-metal surface treatment products, inks and toners, pH regulators, flocculants, Precipitating agents, neutralizing agents, leather treatment products, paper treatment agents, polishing agents, wax mixtures, polymer preparations, textile dyes, impregnating products, washing and cleaning products, used in the production of plastic products, cloth, textiles, clothing and leather .

Business response:

The SVHC identification process includes a 45-day public comment period. Once a substance is determined to be an SVHC, it will be included in the candidate list established by the EU REACH regulation, and inclusion in the candidate list will bring direct legal obligations to the supplier of the substance, such as:

● Provide safety technical specifications;

● Safe use of communication;

● Respond to consumer requests within 45 days;

● If the weight of SVHC contained in the articles produced by each manufacturer or importer exceeds 1 ton each year, and the content of SVHC is above 0.1% (w/w), it needs to be notified to ECHA.

Reminders Lianke Tips

With the continuous update of the SVHC candidate list, enterprises are facing more and more control requirements. Enterprises need to raise their own product risk awareness. Within six months after the substance is included in the SVHC candidate list, eligible enterprises need to complete the SVHC notification in the article. It is recommended that companies investigate the supply chain as soon as possible to calmly respond to changes in regulations.