The Department of Labor Inspection of the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Insurance informs the affected companies and interested organizations or scientific groups that a proposal has been submitted to limit the use of certain hazardous chemicals in disposable diapers. The proposal for the new restriction will be evaluated with the ultimate goal of being included in Annex XVII of the REACH European Regulation (1907/2006 / EC).
The proposal aims to limit the use of the following groups of chemicals: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Dioxins, Furans, Polychlorinated Diphenyls and Formaldehyde. These substances are classified as Carcinogenic and Reproductive Toxic with developmental, neurological and immunosuppressive effects. These substances are not intentionally added to the production process but remain as remnants of the diaper manufacturing process.
Affected parties and those with a special interest in the subject are invited to submit any data they possess, in particular on the use of alternative materials, analytical methods or possible socio-economic effects due to the introduction of the restriction, through the following European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) website:
https://echa.europa.eu/el/restrictions-under-consideration/-/substance-rev/27044/term
The deadline for submission of data is June 21, 2021. It is emphasized that the timely submission of data or comments by those affected is particularly important to identify the need for possible exemptions from future restraint.
Those interested can be informed and ask questions in a free online ECHA Seminar. The Seminar will be held on 26.1.2021 and can be found at the most link:
https://echa.europa.eu/el/-/consultation-on-proposed-restriction-of-substances-in-single-use-baby-diapers
For more information on the above consultation, interested parties can contact the relevant Officers at 22405609 and 22405623.
