CoRAP 2024-2026: A Critical Step Towards Safer Chemical Use in the EU

What's New in CoRAP 2024-2026?

The newly updated CoRAP list incorporates 11 substances that have never been evaluated under this scheme before, alongside 17 chemicals carried over from the previous 2023-2025 update. For a notable 11 of these recurring substances, their assessment has been rescheduled, pending the acquisition of further information required under the REACH dossier evaluation procedures.

This year's update showcases a strategic distribution, with 10 substances set for evaluation in 2024, 13 in 2025, and the remaining 5 in 2026. However, stakeholders should note that amendments may be made to the listings for 2025 and 2026 in next year's CoRAP update, reflecting the dynamic and responsive nature of this regulatory framework.

One substance has been removed from the latest CoRAP due to its current low priority for substance evaluation, with a compliance check deemed necessary before any further action. This decision underscores the rigorous and flexible approach taken by ECHA and Member State authorities in prioritizing public health and environmental safety.

The CoRAP Process: Collaboration and Criteria

The development of the CoRAP update is a collaborative effort involving close consultation with Member States, based on established criteria for selecting substances for evaluation. The draft CoRAP, shared with Member States and the Member State Committee (MSC) in late 2023, received official approval in February 2024, leading to its publication this March.

The selection criteria for substances hinge on several factors, including potential risks to human health (particularly sensitive populations), environmental impact, and the extent of public and professional exposure. These criteria ensure a targeted and effective approach to chemical safety and regulatory oversight.

Overview of the Substances and Hazards

Given the detailed and varied information provided about the substances listed for evaluation in the CoRAP update for 2024-2026, here's a concise table summarizing the available uses of these substances based on the initial grounds for concern and other provided details:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Substance Name

EC/List Number

CAS Number

Uses and Concerns

Tetradecamethylcyclohexasiloxane

203-499-5

107-52-8

Suspected PBT/vPvB, consumer use, wide dispersive use

4,4'-Isopropylidenebis[2-allylphenol]

217-121-1

1745-89-7

Suspected R, potential endocrine disruptor, worker and environmental exposure

4,4'-Isopropylidenedi2,6-xylol

227-033-5

5613-46-7

Similar to above

2,2'-[(1-Methylethylidene)bis(4,1-phenyleneoxy)]bisethyl diacetate

242-895-2

19224-29-4

Similar to above

(1-Methylethylidene)bis(4,1-phenyleneoxy-3,1-propanediyl) bismethacrylate

248-607-1

27689-12-9

Similar to above

Tetrasodium N,N-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-L-glutamate

257-573-7

51981-21-6

Suspected C, consumer and worker exposure, high tonnage

2,4,6-Tribromophenol

204-278-6

118-79-6

Suspected R, potential endocrine disruptor, worker and environmental exposure

4-(1-Methyl-1-phenylethyl)-N-[4-(1-methyl-1-phenylethyl)phenyl] aniline

233-215-5

10081-67-1

Suspected PBT/vPvB, consumer use, sensitive populations exposure

Dioctyltin oxide

212-791-1

870-08-6

Potential endocrine disruptor, wide dispersive use, high RCR

Reaction product of Graphite, acid-treated and potassium permanganate

947-768-1

n.a.

Suspected M, worker exposure, wide dispersive use

Oligomerisation products of beta-pinene

701-246-8

n.a.

Suspected PBT/vPvB, consumer use, wide dispersive use

Oligomerisation products of alpha-pinene and beta-pinene

701-463-8

n.a.

Similar to above

1,3-Diisopropylbenzene

202-773-1

99-62-7

Suspected R, suspected PBT/vPvB, worker exposure

1,4-Diisopropylbenzene

202-826-9

100-18-5

Similar to above

Bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) carbodiimide

218-487-5

2162-74-5

Suspected PBT, wide dispersive use, worker exposure

A mixture of: triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives

421-820-9

192268-65-8

Suspected PBT/vPvB

Benzaldehyde

202-860-4

100-52-7

Suspected M, wide dispersive use, consumer use

Acrylic acid, monoester with propane-1,2-diol

247-118-0

25584-83-2

Suspected C, M, sensitiser, high RCR

Octene, hydroformylation products, low-boiling

273-110-1

68938-03-4

Suspected PBT/vPvB, high tonnage

Diethyl Ether

200-467-2

60-29-7

Suspected C, M, R, high tonnage

4-(4-Isopropoxyphenylsulfonyl)phenol

405-520-5

95235-30-6

Potential endocrine disruptor

Sodium hydroxymethanesulphinate

205-739-4

149-44-0

Suspected C, M, R, high tonnage

Encouraging Industry Engagement

ECHA places a strong emphasis on the active participation of registrants throughout the evaluation process. The agency has provided detailed contact information for the competent authorities responsible for each substance, facilitating open dialogue and cooperation between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies. This collaborative spirit is particularly urged for the substances slated for evaluation in 2024, emphasizing the shared responsibility in addressing chemical risks.