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EU REACH: Proposal to identify 4-tert-butylphenol as a SVHC

February 2019 - Relevant for: Electronical & Electronics, Hardlines, softlines, toys and children's products

On 7 February 2019, the European Commission (EC) submitted a notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO)¹, proposing to identify 4-tert-butylphenols (PTBP) as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). This substance may be included in the next round of Candidate List update by June 2019.

Back to Mid-2016, Germany proposed PTBP as a SVHC because of its endocrine disrupting properties. This substance belongs to the family of alkylphenols which would give rise to serious effect to the environment. It can be used² as an intermediate in the industrial production of polycarbonates and hydrogenisation. It may also be used in adhesive and indoor coatings. However, the Member State Committee did not reach unanimous agreement. Hence, PTBP was not included in the Candidate List in December 2016.

Scientific evidence shows PTBP imposes serious and irreversible adverse effects on sexual development of fishes. Therefore, the EC concludes that PTBP should be identified as a SVHC. Once this proposal is published on the Official Journal of the European Union, the European Chemicals Agency is required to include PTBP to the Candidate List and it may be carried out together with the regular updates in June.

[1] WTO Notification EU-641

[2] Annex XV Dossier of 4-tert-butylphenol