Highlights from March RAC and SEAC meetings

ECHA/NR/24/08

The Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) agreed over 20 opinions on companies’ authorisation applications to use chromium (VI) substances, most covering uses in the aerospace and defence sector.

Helsinki, 21 March 2024 – RAC agreed on 24 and SEAC on 25 draft opinions on applications for authorisation and review reports for chromium (VI) substances, most covering uses in the aerospace and defence sector. These draft opinions will now be sent to the applicants for comments and will be formally adopted later this year. Additionally, both RAC and SEAC adopted two final opinions on applications for authorisation for uses of chromium trioxide in hard chrome and functional chrome plating.

During discussions on the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), RAC and SEAC deliberated on the risks associated with PFAS, as well as the potential impact of the proposal on ski waxes, cosmetics and other consumer mixtures. RAC discussed the hazards of PFAS, including estimating volumes potentially released, while SEAC considered the general approach for evaluating the different socio-economic elements of the proposal. Additionally, the committees were given an overview of the topics planned for discussion in the June and September meetings.

RAC concluded on two requests from the European Commission to review its earlier harmonised classification and labelling opinions. On three lithium salts, RAC confirmed by consensus its earlier opinion, recommending classification of these compounds for reproductive toxicity (as substances which may damage fertility and the unborn child) and for effects on or via lactation (as substances which may cause harm to breast-fed children). For methyl methacrylate (MMA), RAC recommended by consensus a classification as a respiratory sensitiser (a substance potentially causing allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled).

Other outcomes of the March meetings:

• SEAC adopted its updated approach for recommending review periods in opinions for applications for authorisations. This document will soon be published on ECHA’s website; and
• RAC adopted 19 opinions on harmonised classification and labelling.

More details about these opinions can be found in the annex and by listening to our podcast with the RAC Chair Roberto Scazzola and the Chair of SEAC, María Ottati.

Press contact: Hanna-Kaisa Torkkeli, press@echa.europa.eu, +358 50 416 8585