November 7, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has officially announced the 32nd batch of 1 substances of very high concern (SVHC), bringing the total number of substances on the SVHC list (also known as the Candidate List) to 242.

The Global Chemical Inventory Search (GCIS) developed by CIRS Group supports users to search the latest inventory of chemicals globally by entering CAS number or substance name in both Chinese and English. It also provides obligation analysis for global chemical compliance. CIRS continuously monitors and updates to global chemical inventories regularly, trying to help users to know more details of compliance obligations of their substances.

In October 2024, the European Commission approved silver zinc zeolite (SZZ, CAS number: 130328-20-0) for use in biocides including disinfectants and preservatives for fibers, leather, rubber, and polymers. Compliance with specific regulations is mandatory. A transition period has been established to support industry adaptation

The European Poison Centre (PCN) reminded businesses that the transition period (January-December 2024) is concluding.

Six substances added to the SVHC Candidate List; 22 chemical substances set for upcoming REACH registration testing approval; public consultations launched on CLH proposals for two chemicals.

The European Commission announced updates to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation with new restrictions on N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and N-ethylpyrrolidone (NEP). It submitted Notification G/TBT/N/EU/1079 to the WTO on July 30, 2024. These changes are set to take effect 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal. Annex XVII restricts the use of certain hazardous chemicals in the EU market. The inclusion of DMAC and NEP will subject these chemicals to strict regulatory oversight, ensuring that all products containing them, whether produced or sold in the EU, meet stringent safety standards to protect health and the environment.

On July 23, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced adjustments to administrative fines under the EU REACH Regulation, effective from July 22, 2024. This update aims to increase transparency, ensure fairness in fee structures, and align fees with actual business costs.

On June 20, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identified tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched) phosphite and 6-[(C10-C13)-alkyl-(branched, unsaturated)-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl]hexanoic acid as a potential Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). The proponents are finalizing the necessary documentation, expected to be submitted by August 1, 2024. Following this, ECHA will initiate a public consultation, inviting feedback from stakeholders to inform the decision on whether these substances should be included in the next SVHC candidate list.

The 20th Meetings of the Stockholm Convention's POP Review Committee and the Rotterdam Convention's Chemical Review Committee are scheduled for September 23-27, 2024.

ECHA Enforcement Forum launched REF-14 to ensure products containing hazardous mixtures are correctly classified, labeled, and packaged.