The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has recently unveiled the draft update of the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP) for the years 2024-2026. This pivotal document, integral to the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, is a testament to the ongoing efforts in safeguarding human health and the environment from potential chemical risks.
Understanding CoRAP and its Significance
The CoRAP, updated annually, plays a crucial role in the REACH framework, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals. This plan outlines substances suspected of posing risks, necessitating a thorough evaluation under Articles 44 to 48 of the REACH Regulation. The process, known as substance evaluation, is vital for generating necessary information to clarify these potential risks.
What's New in the Draft CoRAP 2024-2026?
The latest draft presents a significant update, featuring 28 substances, including 11 new entries compared to the current plan for 2023-2025. The 2024 schedule includes 10 substances for evaluation, with a unique approach of assessing 4 substances as a group. The subsequent years, 2025 and 2026, will see the evaluation of the remaining 18 substances.
Interestingly, from the 24 substances listed in the 2023 update, one is proposed for withdrawal, deemed currently of lower priority. However, this does not mean a permanent exclusion; the substance might re-enter the CoRAP following a comprehensive dossier evaluation.
Transparency and Stakeholder Involvement
A commendable aspect of the draft is its transparency, providing non-confidential names, EC/List and CAS numbers, initial grounds for concern, and contact details of the evaluating Member State. Such openness fosters informed stakeholder engagement and compliance.
The draft CoRAP was meticulously prepared in close cooperation with Member States, aligning with the established criteria for substance selection. Submitted to the Member State Competent Authorities and the ECHA Member State Committee on November 30, 2023, it awaits the Committee's opinion in February 2024. ECHA aims to adopt and publish the finalised CoRAP update by March 19, 2024, each substance accompanied by a justification document.
Early Communication: A Proactive Approach
By releasing this draft, ECHA not only informs stakeholders of the progress but also encourages early dialogue between registrants and relevant authorities. This proactive stance is crucial for effective chemical management and risk mitigation.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
Stakeholders, particularly those involved in chemical manufacturing and distribution, should review this draft closely. Understanding which substances are under scrutiny and the rationale behind their selection is vital for compliance and risk management. Engaging in early communication with evaluating authorities can provide clarity and potentially influence the evaluation process.
Further Resources
For a deeper understanding of the substance evaluation process and the criteria for substance selection, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the following links:
