ECHA publishes nanomaterials decisions
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Board of Appeal published two nanomaterials related decisions. The Board of Appeal largely upheld the appeals and annulled most of the requests for in-formation. Two appeals had been made against the same ECHA decision requesting information on synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) following a substance evaluation by the Netherlands Competent Authority. One appeal was made jointly by 36 registrants and the other by two registrants of SAS.
The contested decision requested information on the physicochemical properties and uses of different types of SAS and surface treated SAS. These requests were annulled as it was not clear how the information would be used to clarify the potential concerns which in any case had not been sufficiently demonstrated. One request in the contested decision – for information on the inhala-tion toxicity of one type of SAS, following repeat exposure – was upheld. Read the decisions at https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/about-us/who-we-are/board-of-appeal/announcements/-/view-announcement/301/search/true and https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/about-us/who-we-are/board-of-appeal/announcements/-/view-announcement/302/search/true
EC publishes nano-cosmetics catalogue
The European Commission (EC) has published a catalogue of nanomaterials used in cosmetic products on the European Union (EU) market. According to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Article 16 (10a) the Commission has to publish a catalogue of all nanomaterials used in cosmetic products placed on the market. Nanomaterials used as UV-filters, colourants and preservatives must be specified in a different section. The catalogue should indicate the categories of cosmetic products and the foreseeable exposure conditions. Responsible persons electronically notify the European Commission with information on nanomaterials in their products through the cosmetic products notification portal. The catalogue is based on this information. View the catalogue at https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/24521
Other news
Bundesamt für Gesundheit (BAG), the Swiss public health authority has decided to modify proposals to regulate nanomaterials notification procedures, under pressure from industry affected by the regulation.
The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) in Austrlia has published Consultation Paper 5, which seeks feedback from stakeholders on the detail to be included in delegated legislation made under the framework established by the Industrial Chemicals Bill. Part 7 of the Consultation Paper is a proposal for the categorization of industrial chemicals introduced at the nanoscale.
The Swedish Board of Trade has notified the European Commission (EC) that it intends to amend the information requirements concerning the Swedish Chemicals Agency’s (KEMI) product register to require notifiers to provide information on nanomaterials contained in the product.
