18 Substances Proposed for EU REACH Authorization List

When a substance is included in Annex XIV, it cannot be used as a chemical or in mixtures of chemicals in the EU unless authorization has been granted for the specific uses and only if supplied by an authorized supplier. The proposed substances and their main uses are:

• 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol (Bisphenol A; BPA): Monomer used to make epoxy resins, polycarbonate, PPS, PEEK and several other types of polymers. Sometimes used as an additive in PVC
• 1,6,7,8,9,14,15,16,17,17,18,18- Dodecachloropentacyclo[12.2.1.16,9.02,13.05,10]octadeca7,15-diene (“Dechlorane Plus”™): Flame retardant used in many types of polymer including Nylon, PBT, PP, ABS, Epoxy, PVC and various elastomers
• Reaction products of 1,3,4-thiadiazolidine-2,5-dithione, formaldehyde and 4-heptylphenol, branched and linear (RPHP) with ≥0.1% w/w 4-heptylphenol, branched and linear (4-Hbl): Additive in lubricants and greases used by many industry sectors
• 2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4-dioctyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4- stannatetradecanoate (DOTE): Thermal stabilizer mainly used in PVC (mainly in rigid) but may occur in other polymers and rubbers
• Reaction mass of 2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4-dioctyl-7-oxo-8- oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoate and 2-ethylhexyl 10- ethyl-4-[[2-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-2-oxoethyl]thio]-4-octyl-7- oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoate (reaction mass of DOTE and MOTE): Thermal stabilizer mainly used in PVC (mainly in rigid) but may occur in other polymers and rubbers
• 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-4”-(methylamino)trityl alcohol with ≥ 0.1% of Michler’s ketone (EC No. 202-027-5) or Michler’s base (EC No. 202-959-2): Also called C. I. Solvent Violet 8. Used as a pigment in inks and to color a variety of materials. Mainly used to color paper (ball point pen ink), but may also be used to color soap, oil, plastics and fertilizer
• Dioxobis(stearato)trilead: Heat stabilizer for PVC, used mainly in rigid PVC as most uses in cables is banned by RoHS
• Fatty acids, C16-18, lead salts: Heat stabilizer for PVC, used mainly in rigid PVC as most uses in cables is banned by RoHS
• Trilead dioxide phosphonate: Heat stabilizer for PVC, used mainly in rigid PVC as most uses in cables is banned by RoHS. ECHA report that it is also used in “mirror backing”
• Sulfurous acid, lead salt, dibasic: Heat stabilizer for PVC, used mainly in rigid PVC as most uses in cables is banned by RoHS
• [Phthalato(2-)]dioxotrilead: Heat stabilizer for PVC, used mainly in rigid PVC as most uses in cables is banned by RoHS
• Trilead bis(carbonate) dihydroxide: Pigment in white paint. Banned by REACH in paints but with exclusions, which this proposed addition to Annex XIV would affect
• Lead oxide sulfate: Heat stabilizer for PVC, used mainly in rigid PVC as most uses in cables is banned by RoHS. ECHA report that it is also used in “mirror backing”
• Cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride [1], ciscyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride [2], transcyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride [3] (HHPA): Hardener for epoxy resins
• Hexahydromethylphthalic anhydride [1], Hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride [2], Hexahydro-1-methylphthalic anhydride [3], Hexahydro-3-methylphthalic anhydride [4] (MHHPA): Hardener for epoxy resins
• Tetraethyllead: Anti-knock additive in petrol. Banned in road vehicles in the EU but may be used in aircraft fuel
• 2-methoxyethanol: Solvent with many uses including for aircraft de-icing, for resins, dyes, lacquers, coatings, chemical processes, cleaning, liquid soap, leather and wood stains. It is also used as an intermediate
• 2-ethoxyethanol: Solvent with many uses including for cleaning, adhesives, inks, resins, lacquer and paint coatings, dyes and aviation fuel de-icing, etc. It is also used as an intermediate

Some of the proposed substances were added to the Candidate List many years ago whereas others are more recent, so it would be unwise to assume that any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) in the Candidate List will not be considered for addition to Annex XIV. This proposed list includes all of the lead compounds as well as DOTE and the reaction mass of DOTE and MOTE that may be used as heat stabilizers. A consultation on these substances was held by ECHA in 2018 and so the next step is for the European Commission, in collaboration with the Member States and the European Parliament, to decide whether to add these to Annex XIV.

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