ECHA Begins Consultation on Proposed EU REACH Restriction for Dechlorane Plus™

The European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA) Socio Economic Assessment Committee (SEAC) has reviewed Norway’s restriction proposal for 1,6,7,8,9,14,15,16,17,17,18,18-Dodecachloropentacyclo[12.2.1.16,9.02,13.05,10]octadeca-7,15-diene (Dechlorane Plus™) and requests further information from stakeholders. Norway has identified several restriction options and each affects the manufacture, use, and placing the substance on the market in concentrations >0.1 percent, with possible derogations.

Dechlorane Plus™ is mainly used as a flame retardant in adhesives, sealants, and polymers, as well as an extreme pressure additive in greases. The main applications of Dechlorane Plus™ are reported to be in motor vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment (including consumer electronics), and in aerospace and defense. Additional uses in marine, garden, and forestry machinery and in medical devices were reported in the consultation on the Annex XV report.

SEAC requests:

• Volumes used and function;
• Potential alternatives that have been assessed;
• A substitution timeline if alternatives are feasible; and
• Socio-economic impacts in case a derogation to the restriction is not proposed.

The deadline for comments is May 16, 2022.