tags

REACH
EU
ECHA Proposes Adding TPO, Melamine, and Two Other Substances to REACH Authorisation List

On November 18, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published its 12th recommendation for authorization, proposing for the first time to include four Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), including melamine, into the REACH Authorisation List. If adopted by the European Commission, companies will need to submit applications and pass reviews to continue using these substances in the future.

Breaking! EU Identifies DBDPE as a Substance of Very High Concern, SVHC List to Expand to at Least 251 Entries

On October 9, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that the Member State Committee (MSC) unanimously agreed during its October meeting to classify 1,1’-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (Decabromodiphenyl Ethane, DBDPE) as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC). ECHA plans to officially publish the notice in November 2025, adding it to the SVHC Candidate List. This move will further advance the phase-out of brominated flame retardants.

ECHA Proposes Restriction on Hexavalent Chromium Substances

On April 29, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced a proposal to restrict the use of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) substances within the European Union. This measure aims to protect human health and the environment from the carcinogenic risks associated with these substances.

Major Reform to EU REACH Regulation Impacts the Cosmetics Industry

On April 3, 2025, at the CARACAL-54 meeting of the joint advisory body REACH-CLP, the European Commission officially released the final proposal for the reform of the REACH Regulation. The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) pointed out that the digital transformation is expected to increase costs for SMEs by 40%, and that the 10-year review cycle and complex mixed assessment models may slow down the development of innovative pharmaceuticals.

EU Releases 2025 Guide to Implement REACH Microplastics Restrictions for Industry Compliance

To assist enterprises, member state regulatory authorities, and the public in understanding the new rules, the European Commission released the Implementation Guide for the REACH Microplastics Restriction (Annex XVII Entry 78) in April 2025. Developed by ECHA in collaboration with member states, the guide is non-binding but provides detailed instructions for implementing the regulation.