European Chemicals Agency Opens Reproductive Toxicity Consultation On Three UV-Absorbing Benzoates

ECHA is consulting from 28 September to 27 November 2026 on Spain's proposed reproductive-toxicity classification for three dimethylaminobenzoates. The proposal is Repr. 1B, H360F, meaning “May damage fertility”. It is not an adopted classification.

The grouped consultation covers:

• Ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate: EC 233-634-3, CAS 10287-53-3.
• 2-Ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate: EC 244-289-3, CAS 21245-02-3.
• Padimate, or 3-methylbutyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate: EC 244-288-8, CAS 21245-01-2.

Proposed Classification And Uses

Spain's CLH report, version 2 of 3 September 2026, proposes no specific concentration limit. That does not establish an exemption from generic CLP mixture thresholds. The dossier identifies no current Annex VI entry for these substances; applicable supplier self-classification, labelling and safety-data-sheet duties continue.

The report identifies coatings and inks uses for the ethyl substance, and cosmetics, inks, coatings and adhesives uses for the 2-ethylhexyl substance. For padimate, it identifies historical sunscreen and ink uses and a reported lip-balm use, but no REACH registration use information.

What Happens After Consultation

ECHA's Committee for Risk Assessment will consider the dossier and comments. A binding harmonised classification would require a Commission delegated act, subject to Parliament and Council scrutiny, with its own legal dates.

An adopted harmonised CMR classification would engage Article 15 of the Cosmetics Regulation's general prohibition, subject to its specified exceptions. The consultation itself creates no cosmetics ban or immediate relabelling requirement.