REACH and Restrictions
REACH foresees a restriction process to regulate the manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain substances, either on their own or in mixtures or articles, within the EU territory if they pose an unacceptable risk to health or the environment. Such activities may be limited or even banned, if necessary. The restriction is designed to manage risks that are not addressed by the other REACH processes or by other Community legislation.
From 1 June 2009, Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation replaced Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States, relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
The European Commission has adopted a Regulation amending Appendices 1 to 6 to Annex XVII 
to REACH, in order to include a number of newly classified entries concerning CMR substances so that they are aligned to the corresponding entries in Regulation (EC) No 790/2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.
Restrictions of cadmium in jewellery, plastics and brazing sticks
The European Commission has banned cadmium in all jewellery products, plastics and brazing sticks from December 2011. High levels of cadmium have been found in some jewellery articles, especially in imported imitation jewellery. Consumers including children risked being exposed to cadmium through skin contact or through licking. The new legislation prohibits the use of cadmium in all types of jewellery products, except for antiques. The Commission has also banned cadmium in all plastics as from December 2011. The ban will protect the environment by reducing cadmium pollution. The new rules also promote the recovery of PVC waste for use in a number of construction products.
Europa press release (RAPID) of 20 May 2011
Commission Regulation (EU) No 494/2011 of 20 May 2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards Annex XVII (Cadmium), and, related Corrigendum OJ L 136/105 of 24 May 2011.
Impact assessment [232 KB] - Commission staff working document of 20 May 2011
Study: Socio-economic impact of a potential update of the restrictions on the marketing and use of cadmium
More information on restrictions of chemicals
- Review of REACH Annexes
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Questions and Answers [71 KB]
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Inventory list on PFOS according to Directive 2006/122/EC [101 KB]
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Reference Methods of Analysis for Substances listed in Annex XVII to REACH [17 KB]
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Inventory of stricter national measures in accordance with Article 67
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Guidance on the interpretation of the concept "which can be placed in the mouth" in entry 52 of Annex XVII on Phthalates (issued 27/06/2006)
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Commission position paper concerning ECHA's recommendation on phthalates DEHP, BBP, DBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP [17 KB]
- ECHA webpage on Restrictions
