Dear Members, please see the link to the notification that two substances have been added to the EU REACH Annex XIV candidate list of substances of very high concern. These being n-hexane and 4,4′-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts.
4,4′-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol is better known as Bisphenol AF and is a widely used plasticizer, and has been used as a substitute for Bisphenol A which has itself been restricted and is subject to authorisation as a SVHC.
Companies are advised to identify Bisphenol AF used in their products (both intentionally or in parts and components produced higher in the supply chain) and investigate the alternatives and plan to substitute (and to plan to avoid regrettable substitution i.e. where the substitute substance itself is then subject to future restriction) where possible, or plan for future authorisation applications.
Action on Bisphenol AF will apply in Northern Ireland, and we could see similar actions taken for GB.
