Restrictions on cadmium temporarily eased in REACH

With the publication of the regulation 835/2012 on September 18, 2012, the Annex XVII of the REACH regulation has been changed on restrictions of cadmium.

After implementation of the regulation 494/2011 last year, the use of cadmium has been restricted in several synthetic organic polymers and copolymers. Afterwards, it has been detected that in some cases, no feasible substitute was available. Therefore, the restriction of cadmium in Annex XVII number 23 has been changed retrospectively from December 2011 to the former version.

Until November 19 this year, ECHA will be asked to prepare a dossier according to Annex XV relating to the use of cadmium and its compounds that have been restricted by the regulation 494/2011 before.

After evaluation of this dossier, a revised process for restrictions of cadmium and its compounds could be initiated.