Helsinki – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) to a 'candidate list' of substances very high concern (SVHCs).
DCHP, which is used as a plasticiser in various polymers including chlorinated rubber, was identified as being toxic for reproduction and having endocrine-disrupting properties.
The classification followed a European Commission-backed SVHC identification process, the agency said 27 June.
Once identified as an SVHC, a substance is included in the candidate list, placing immediate obligations for suppliers.
These requirements include supplying a safety data sheet and providing information about safe-use of the product.
Suppliers are also required to notify the ECHA if articles they produce contains an SVHC in quantities above one tonne per producer/importer per year.
They also have to notify ECHA if the substance is present in those articles above a concentration of 0.1% (w/w).
The SVHC 'candidate list' currently includes 191 substances.
