Happi Staff06.26.20
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has expanded its list of substances of very high concern (SVHC). The list now includes 209 substances and includes butylparaben, a well-known cosmetic preservative and fragrance ingredient. ECHA targeted butylparaben for its endocrine disrupting properties and said that companies using or importing the material have six months to notify the agency.
Beginning in January 2021, companies must notify the agency, via ECHA’s upcoming SCIP database, of the present substances of concern in articles and products.
“Chemicals on the candidate list are among the most regulated in the EU and we aim to gradually phase them out,” explained Christel Musset, ECHA’s director of hazard assessment. “In the meanwhile, companies need to ensure safe usage and be transparent toward consumers who have the right to know where these chemicals are used. Substituting them with safer alternatives can boost innovation and create a more sustainable circular economy.”
But experts note ECHA's move may not have a major impact on products. Most formulators moved away from parabens years ago due to bad publicity driven by NGOs.
Beginning in January 2021, companies must notify the agency, via ECHA’s upcoming SCIP database, of the present substances of concern in articles and products.
“Chemicals on the candidate list are among the most regulated in the EU and we aim to gradually phase them out,” explained Christel Musset, ECHA’s director of hazard assessment. “In the meanwhile, companies need to ensure safe usage and be transparent toward consumers who have the right to know where these chemicals are used. Substituting them with safer alternatives can boost innovation and create a more sustainable circular economy.”
But experts note ECHA's move may not have a major impact on products. Most formulators moved away from parabens years ago due to bad publicity driven by NGOs.