ECHA Consults on Recommending Four Substances for REACH Authorisation
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a public consultation on its draft recommendation to include four substances in the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV).
Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by 2 May 2026.
If these substances are added to the Authorisation List, companies will be required to apply for authorisation in order to continue placing them on the market or using them after the specified sunset date.
Substances Proposed for the REACH Authorisation List
ECHA is considering the inclusion of the following substances in the REACH Authorisation List:
Bumetrizole (UV-326)
2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol (UV-329)
Triphenyl phosphate
2-(dimethylamino)-2-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]-1-[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl]butan-1-one
These substances are currently listed on the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) and are being assessed due to their potential risks to human health and the environment.
Information Requested by ECHA
As part of the consultation, ECHA is seeking additional information on:
Current uses of the substances
Volumes placed on the market
Possible exemptions from the authorisation requirement
The structure and complexity of supply chains
Registrants and downstream users are strongly encouraged to ensure that use information in their REACH registration dossiers is accurate and up to date, in parallel with submitting comments during the consultation period.
How Does the Authorisation Process Work?
Under the REACH Regulation, the authorisation process follows these steps:
ECHA identifies Candidate List substances that may be prioritised for inclusion in the Authorisation List.
A draft recommendation is prepared and discussed with the Member State Committee (MSC).
A public consultation is conducted to gather stakeholder feedback.
The MSC adopts an opinion based on the consultation results.
ECHA submits its final recommendation to the European Commission.
The European Commission decides which substances to include in the Authorisation List and defines the specific conditions for each substance.
What Happens If a Substance Is Included in the Authorisation List?
Once a substance is included in the REACH Authorisation List:
It cannot be placed on the market or used after the defined sunset date, unless an authorisation is granted.
Companies manufacturing, importing or using the substance must apply for authorisation for specific uses.
The objective of the authorisation process is to:
Promote the substitution of SVHCs where technically and economically feasible alternatives exist
Ensure that risks to human health and the environment are adequately controlled until substitution is achieved
What Should Companies Do?
Companies that manufacture, import or use these substances should consider the following actions:
Review and update REACH registration dossiers
Clarify their role within the supply chain
Assess potential authorisation obligations
Evaluate alternative substances and substitution strategies
General Assessment
This consultation initiated by ECHA represents an early warning for companies regarding potential REACH authorisation obligations.
Companies working with the substances concerned should closely monitor developments and take timely action to prepare for possible regulatory requirements.