On June 20, 2022, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed to add hydrogenated terphenyls (CAS No. 61788-32-7) to the EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 Annex XVII restricted substances list for restriction, and conduct public consultations. In addition to exemptions, it is proposed to prohibit the placing on the market of hydrogenated terphenyl substances, and to prohibit the placing on the market of substances, mixtures and articles containing hydrogenated terphenyl substances in concentrations equal to or exceeding 0.1% by weight.

Hydrogenated terphenyls are mainly used as heat transfer fluids (HTF) and plasticizers for polymers, adhesives, sealants, coatings, fillers, putties and gypsum. This substance is classified as Very Persistent and Very Bioaccumulative (vPvB) and is placed on the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) List (Candidates for Authorization).

Proposed restrictions:

A public consultation on this restriction began on June 20, 2022 and will end on December 20, 2022. Final comments from the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socio-Economic Assessment Committee (SEAC) are scheduled to be released by the end of July 2023. ECHA will submit the joint comments of the two committees to the European Commission, which will make the final decision on whether to add the proposed restrictions to the REACH Regulations Annex XVII restricted substances list.