Publication in the Official Journal of the European Union of 18/12/2018 of the amendments to Annex XVII to REACH, confirming the new restrictions on the following 4 phthalates:

1. Phtalate ofbis(2-ethylhexyl) – DEHP (NoCAS 117-81-7; NoEC: 204-211-0)
2. Dibutyl Phthalate – DBP(NoCAS 84-74-2; NoEC: 201-557-4)
3. Benzyl butyl phthalate – BBP (NoCAS 85-68-7; NoEC: 201-622-7)
4. Diisobutyl Phthalate – DIBP (NoCAS 84-69-5; NoEC: 201-553-2)

These phthalates:

• Cannot be used in toys and childcare articles as substances or mixtures, individually or in any combination of these 4 phthalates to a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1% of the weight of the plasticised material.
• Cannot be placed on the market in toys and childcare articles individually or in any combination of these 4 phthalates at a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1% of the weight of the plasticized material.

Entry into force 07/01/2019.

NB

For all other articles*the same substances cannot be placed on the market from 07/07/2020individually or in any combination of these 4 phthalates at a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1% of the weight of the plasticized material.

* The exclusions are applicable to certain types of articles (e.g. measuring devices for laboratories), used under certain conditions (e.g. outdoor use or without prolonged contact with the skin) and up to a later deadline (e.g. 2024 for motor vehicles).

Source(s): OJEU L322/14, 18/12/2018