News & InsightsNewsletterLegislation Hub

Foresight

Foresight
AboutContactLog in
Book a Demo
Foresight logo
All News & Insights

European Commission Proposes Updated Restrictions on CMR Substances under REACH Annex XVII

REACH
11
December 2024
•
450
Dr Steven Brennan
Stay informed on the European Commission's proposed updates to Annex XVII of REACH, introducing stricter controls on hazardous CMR substances. Feedback open until 2 January 2025.
Light aircraft
Quick prompts

AI Generated

Get to the point quicker with prompts - a smarter way to get the information you need from our articles.

Summarise this article

The European Commission has proposed an update to Annex XVII of the REACH regulation, adding newly classified CMR substances to its restricted list. Key changes target substances such as diuron and tetrabromobisphenol-A, slated for enforcement by September 2025. While stricter regulations aim to protect consumers, certain industry-specific exemptions, such as for cumene in aviation fuel, ensure practicality. Public feedback on the draft regulation is open until 2 January 2025, with adoption expected by late 2023.

When will the new CMR restrictions under REACH Annex XVII take effect?

The updated CMR restrictions in REACH Annex XVII will come into force on 1 September 2025, giving industries time to comply with the new requirements and transition to safer alternatives.

Which CMR substances are proposed for inclusion in the REACH Annex XVII updates for 2024?

The proposed updates to REACH Annex XVII include newly classified CMR substances such as diuron (a herbicide), tetrabromobisphenol-A (used in flame retardants), and 4-methylimidazole (used in industrial processes). These substances are being considered for stricter restrictions but have not yet entered into force.

AI Assistant

This feature and much more is available on our platform. If you would like early access, please leave your email and we'll get in touch.

We'll be in touch when the Assistant is ready.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Mountains

The European Commission has taken a decisive step towards enhancing consumer safety with the latest proposed amendments to Annex XVII of the REACH regulation. This update tightens restrictions on carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicant (CMR) substances to reflect new scientific findings and harmonised classifications.

The proposed changes aim to ensure that hazardous substances no longer pose undue risks to public health. The draft regulation is open for public feedback until 2 January 2025 before its anticipated adoption by the European Commission in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Key Additions to CMR Restrictions

The updates to Annex XVII introduce several substances newly classified as CMR Category 1B, based on amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. These substances are subject to strict market and usage limitations to prevent consumer exposure. Among the most notable additions are:

  • Diuron (CAS 330-54-1): Commonly used in agriculture as a herbicide, diuron is associated with risks of reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity.
  • Tetrabromobisphenol-A (CAS 79-94-7): This chemical, widely used as a flame retardant in electronics and construction materials, is flagged for its mutagenic potential.
  • 4-Methylimidazole (CAS 822-36-6): Frequently utilised in industrial processes, this substance is included due to its carcinogenic properties​​.

Additional substances listed in the updated annex include several phosphine derivatives and chemical compounds found in adhesives, resins, and industrial manufacturing processes. These substances are now subject to stringent market controls, ensuring they are either restricted entirely or limited to concentrations below hazardous thresholds when available for consumer use.

Industry-Specific Exemptions

Acknowledging the complexity of industrial applications, the Commission has carefully considered exemptions where practical alternatives may be limited. One such exemption involves cumene (CAS 98-82-8), a chemical used in aviation fuels for small aircraft.

Cumene had previously been restricted under Annex XVII as part of Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1132 due to its inclusion in CMR Category 1B. However, this update allows its use in specific aviation fuels to accommodate the unique needs of non-professional small aircraft pilots. The exemption reflects the limited scope of such usage compared to the general public's use of automotive fuels, which remain subject to strict controls​.

Implementation Timeline

The updated restrictions are slated to come into effect on 1 September 2025, in line with the application date for the revised CMR classifications under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. This synchronisation ensures a smooth transition for industries and regulatory bodies alike.

Notably, businesses are encouraged to comply with the new restrictions ahead of the official deadline to mitigate risks and align with consumer safety priorities.

Importance of Public Feedback

The Commission has opened a public consultation period from 5 December 2024 to 2 January 2025, allowing stakeholders—including businesses, industry associations, and non-governmental organisations—to provide feedback on the draft regulation. This participatory process is vital for refining the proposed measures and addressing any concerns about their practical implications.

Stakeholders can submit their feedback via the European Commission's official platform, where all contributions will be reviewed and published in adherence to feedback rules​.

Implications for Businesses and Consumers

The updated Annex XVII represents a critical step in the EU’s broader strategy to protect public health while promoting sustainable industrial practices. For businesses, these restrictions necessitate a shift towards safer chemical alternatives and enhanced compliance measures.

Consumers, on the other hand, stand to benefit from reduced exposure to harmful substances in everyday products such as paints, adhesives, and electronic devices. The inclusion of new substances underscores the EU's commitment to keeping regulatory standards in line with the latest scientific evidence.

Read the source story

Read this article now for free!

You have read 3 articles.
Create a free account
or
Log in
to finish reading this article now.

Subscribe to our weekly digest

Sign up to receive our newsletter every Tuesday and get access to all of our content.

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This is some text inside of a div block.

Trusted by professionals at

Dupont
ECHA - European Chemicals Agency
Energizer
Chemours
This is some text inside of a div block.

Get Foresight Today

Stay compliant, reduce risk, and protect your business with our AI-powered chemical policy monitoring—tailored just for you.

Global monitoring of 1,200+ sources
Expert-reviewed, trusted regulatory alerts
Instant risk identification for 350k+ substances

Ready to supercharge your policy monitoring workflow?

We’ll be in touch soon with more details and support to help you get started.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Share with a friend
Copy link

Related Articles

Bath tapECHA Opens Second Public Consultation on Chromium (VI) Restriction Impacting EU Manufacturers

June 18, 2025

Chemicals manufacturingEU Scientists Urge REACH Revision to Tackle Chemical Mixture Risks

June 6, 2025

EU ParliamentEU Lawmakers Clash Over PFAS Ban Plans in ENVI Committee Debate

May 16, 2025

Foresight regulatory experts
Streamline your chemical compliance
Easy-to-use product compliance management for small and mid-sized manufacturers — mitigate risk and protect market access.
Get started
Subscribe to Foresight's newsletter
Stay ahead with the latest news & insights
Join 1,000s of compliance professionals getting the latest insights right to their inbox for free, every Tuesday.
100% free. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Stay ahead with the latest news & insights
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter covering news, events, and expert insights.

Related articles

Bath tap

ECHA Opens Second Public Consultation on Chromium (VI) Restriction Impacting EU Manufacturers

ECHA’s new Chromium (VI) restriction proposal enters public consultation, potentially reshaping compliance for manufacturers across Europe.

18

Jun 2025

REACH
Chemicals manufacturing

EU Scientists Urge REACH Revision to Tackle Chemical Mixture Risks

Leading scientists call on the EU to include a Mixture Assessment Factor in REACH, aiming to protect health and ecosystems from combined chemical exposure.

6

Jun 2025

REACH
EU Parliament

EU Lawmakers Clash Over PFAS Ban Plans in ENVI Committee Debate

Debate over PFAS ban intensifies as EU Commission and MEPs discuss REACH reform and industrial exemptions in May ENVI meeting.

16

May 2025

REACH
Foresight
Providing critical insights, analysis, and guidance to help businesses anticipate changes, make informed decisions, and stay ahead.
News & Insights
Newsletter
Legislation Hub
Coverage
Contact
About
© 2025 Foresight. All rights reserved.
SitemapTerms of servicePrivacy policyCookie policy