The Candidate List of substances of very high concern has been recently updated and it includes 4 new substances. One of the four substances has hormone-disrupting properties in humans and is used in the cosmetic industry. Two of the substances are used as rubbers, lubricants, and sealants, and have been added into the list because of their adverse effects on fertility. The fourth one has been described as a harmful chemical for the environment due to its persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic effects.<\/p>\n
The list, developed by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), now contains 223 entries for chemicals (or groups of chemicals) that can harm people or the environment. The inclusion of any chemical substance in the list means that its use is forbidden unless a company receives authorisation from the European Commission. Companies have legal obligations if any of the chemical substances from the Candidate List is included in their products. Suppliers, importers, and producers of articles containing a Candidate List substance > 0.1 % (weight by weight), must notify ECHA under the Waste Framework Directive, within six months from the date it has been included in the list. They must also provide sufficient information to customers and consumers to allow safe use (in the form of a safety data sheet).<\/p>\n