CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

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Your regular update for technical and industry information

EU: launched public consultation on 2,4-dinitrotoluene under REACH annex XVII

SEPTEMBER 2021 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS, HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

On 22 September 2021, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched the 1st public consultation1 on the proposal2 to restrict 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) under REACH Annex XVII. 

2,4-DNT is an isomer of the multi-constituent substance DNT. The uses of 2,4-DNT include refractories, in automotive airbags, in seat belt pre-tensioners, in plastic bottles used in industrial settings for sample taking purposes, propellants for military and civil small-arms ammunitions. 2,4-DNT is listed on the SVHC Candidate List for authorisation and REACH Annex XIV because of its carcinogenic property. ECHA considered that consumer and professional exposure may occur from the uses of 2,4-DNT and it may pose a risk that is not adequately controlled. Hence, a proposed restriction under REACH Annex XVII is required to reduce risks for consumers and professional workers.

The public consultation will end on 22 March 2022, and the final opinion of ECHA is expected to be available by September 2022. After that, ECHA will send the final opinion to the European Commission (EC), which will make the decision whether to include the proposed restriction in REACH Annex XVII.

Table A shows the details of proposed restriction.

Table A

Restricted substance  2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) 
Proposed scope of restriction Articles for supply to the general public or to professional workers
Proposed limit < 0.1% by weight
Proposed exemption
  • Articles placed on the market or used in explosives and ammunition used for military use;
  • Articles regulated by Directive 2009/48/EC on the safety of toys;
  • Articles regulated by Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices.
Proposed date of application 12 months after the date of entry into force

 

[1]  Public consultation summary

[2]  Report submitted for the restriction proposal

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