Every year the ECHA and Competent Authorities conduct IT and manual screening to identify any substances that are classified as hazardous or pose a risk to human health or the environment. Any identified substances are then progressed to REACH and CLP to ensure their safe use.
The IT Screening for the last three years have identified 893 chemicals which require further investigation and 581 are being referred to Member State authorities. 78% required regulatory action and some require multiple outcomes. This year, 162 chemical substances from the REACH registrations have been identified for further investigation by Member States’ Competent Authorities who will decide on regulatory actions.
Automated IT Screening compiles a shortlist of substances requiring further investigation, which are then further shortlisted depending on whether they are likely to be released into the environment or lead to human exposure when in use. The categories of substances screened include:
- Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT’s)
- Sensitisers
- Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic to Reproduction (CMRs)
- Endocrine-Disruptors
- Chemicals with Specific Target Organ Toxicity from Repeated Exposure (STOTRE) properties
Letters will be sent to any companies who have registered aby of the 162 identified substances, and affected companies are advised to update their REACH Dossiers as soon as possible. Any substances that require action will be listed on the ECHA’s website once the decision has been made.