Latest chemicals news for Northern Ireland - 28 May 2026
Date published:
Latest chemicals news for Northern Ireland - updated 28 May 2026.
20 May CLP update
Consultations on harmonised classification and labelling
ECHA are looking for comments on the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for:
- Reaction mass of (3S,3aR,4S,4aR,7R,9aR,9bR,12S)-12-hydroxy-3-methyl-6 methylene-2-oxoperhydro-4a,7-methano-3,9b-propanoazuleno[1,2-b]furan-4- carboxylic acid and (3S,3aR,4S,4aR,7R,9aR,9bR,12S)-12-hydroxy-3-methyl-6- methylene-2-oxoperhydro-4a,7-methano-9b,3-propenoazuleno[1,2-b]furan-4- carboxylic acid; [gibberellins GA4A7] [1] gibbane-1,10-dicarboxylic acid, 2,4a-dihydroxy-1-methyl-8-methylene-, 1,4a-lactone, (1α,2β,4aα,4bβ,10β)-; (3S,3aR,4S,4aR,7R,9aR,9bR,12S)-12-hydroxy-3-methyl-6-methylene-2-oxoperhydro-4a,7-methano-3,9b-propanoazuleno[1,2-b]furan-4-carboxylic acid; [gibberellin GA4] [2] (EC - [1]; 207-406-9 [2], CAS 8030-53-3 [1]; 468-44-0 [2])
- Hydrolysed chitosan, hydrochloride (DP = 25-55; average acetylation degree 0-20%); [OptiCHOS] (EC -, CAS -).
Have your say until 17 July 2026.
13 May CLP update
Consultations on harmonised classification and labelling
ECHA are looking for comments on the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for:
- cobalt oxide (EC 215-154-6, CAS 1307-96-6)
- cobalt bis(2-ethylhexanoate) (EC 205-250-6, CAS 136-52-7)
- cobalt dihydroxide [1] cobalt(2+) propionate [2] cobalt(II) 4-oxopent-2-en-2-olate [3] (EC 244-166-4 [1] 216-333-1 [2] 237-855-6 [3], CAS 21041-93-0 [1] 1560-69-6 [2] 14024-48-7 [3]).
Have your say by 10 July 2026.
13 May REACH update
Consultations on applications for authorisation
ECHA have launched consultations on one review report covering two uses in total:
- 4-Nonylphenol, branched and linear, ethoxylated (EC -): Use of Nonylphenolethoxylates in the formulation and filling of one in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assay, HIV combi PT.
- 4-Nonylphenol, branched and linear, ethoxylated (EC -): Use of Nonylphenolethoxylates in one in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assay, HIV combi PT.
More information about the uses applied for is available online.
Have your say through ECHA`s webform until 8 July 2026.
6 May REACH update
Have your say in our consultations on harmonised classification and labelling
ECHA have recently published two consultations looking for comments on the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for:
- variable domain of camelid heavy-chain antibody (VHH protein, C577H905N169O177S4), against lipid cell membrane of fungi, obtained by fermentation in Komagataella phaffii (Phaffomycetaceae); [ASFBIOF01-02] (EC -, CAS -)
- 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetraoxacyclooctane; metaldehyde (EC 203-600-2, CAS 108-62-3).
Have your say until 3 July 2026.
Find our other open consultations and calls for evidence on ECHA`s website.
5 May REACH update
27 April 2026 CLP update
Consultations on harmonised classification and labelling
ECHA are looking for comments on the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for:
Have your say by 26 June 2026. |
27 April 2026 REACH update
Call for evidence: 1,4-dioxane in the PET lifecycle
Germany has launched a further call for evidence to assess the necessity of a REACH restriction proposal on different processes suspected to cause emissions of 1,4-dioxane into the environment. This call for evidence covers emissions of 1,4-dioxane from the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) lifecycle.
Submit your information on emissions from the production, processing, and recycling of PET, available measures for emission reduction and economic impacts of a potential restriction on the PET lifecycle in English or German.
Have your say by 27 July 2026.
For any clarifications, contact: chemg(at)baua.bund.de
Testing proposals
ECHA have launched 55 new consultations on testing proposals.
Have your say by 12 June 2026.
22 April 2026 CLP update
ECHA are looking for comments on the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for:
- Swinglea glutinosa (Rutaceae) leaves extract using ethanol and water (EC -, CAS -)
- maleic acid; (2Z)-but-2-enedioic acid (EC 203-742-5, CAS 110-16-7).
Have your say by 22 June 2026.
11 February 2026 REACH update
Validity of 88 existing REACH authorisations to use chromium (VI) substances extended
The European Commission extended the deadline so that companies already authorised to use chromium (VI) substances do not have to prepare and submit review reports when a Commission decision is not expected before a new REACH restriction on these substances enters into force.
ECHA’s scientific committees are currently preparing their opinions on the Cr(VI) restriction. Their final opinion is expected by the end of 2026.
The Commission Regulation on the restriction, which will replace the current REACH authorisation for these substances, is expected by the end of 2028.
For more information please see the following link:
26 November 2025 REACH update
REACH-IT ready to receive reports on microplastics emissions
Companies can start reporting us their annual microplastics releases under the EU’s microplastics restriction.
These reporting obligations apply to uses that are exempt from the EU-wide ban. The first reports must be submitted by 31 May 2026 covering estimated emissions for year 2025.
The report on annual releases will be prepared in IUCLID format and submitted it to us through REACH-IT.
For more information please see the following link:
14 May 2025 - REACH update
New guideline for measuring formaldehyde releases and concentrations
The European Commissions Agency (ECHA) have published a guideline which explains how to measure formaldehyde releases from articles and its concentrations inside vehicles, following the requirements set out in Appendix 14 of the EU-wide restriction of formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers. The restriction starts applying in August 2026.
The guideline was prepared at the request of the European Commission.
For more information please see the following link:
ECHA's completed activities on restriction - (ECHA website)