BPA: Germany Proposes New Classification and Labeling
Germany has submitted a proposal for harmonization of the classification and labeling (CLH) of bisphenol A (BPA) to the ECHA as part of the CLP Regulation. The supplemental entries are stored in the Registry of Intention, a database containing information on the classification and labeling of declared and registered chemicals.
Germany classifies BPA into the following individual hazard classes:
- Serious eye damage, category 1
- Skin sensitization, category 1 – can cause an allergic reaction
- Reprotoxicity, category 1B – may damage fertility
- Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure), category 3 – can cause respiratory irritation
- Aquatic acute, category 1 and M-factor 1 – very toxic to aquatic life
- Aquatic chronic, category 1 and M-factor 10 – very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
BPA is counted among substances of very high concern (SVHC) and appears on the REACH candidate list. The substance is considered toxic to reproduction, affects the hormonal system, and has other negative properties.
BPA is used in the food industry for the inner linings of cans and lids and in plastic packaging. A current proposed law of the EU Commission seeks to lower the present migration limits for BPA in materials that come into contact with food – from 0.6 mg to 0.05 mg/kg. Simultaneously, a new working group of the European Food and Safety Authority, consisting of scientific experts, began evaluating the newest toxicological data on BPA in September 2018. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) also provides an overview of Q&A on BPA.
Be attentive to the safe use of your products. If you have any questions, please contact us for answers and advice at reach@kft.de.
