Restriction Process

The dangerous substances listed in Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation present an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.

How does a chemical get onto Annex XVII of REACH?

  • Proposals for restrictions can be prepared by Member States or by ECHA on request of the Commission in the form of an Annex XV dossier.
  • Annex XV of REACH outlines general principles for preparing dossiers to propose and justify restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market or use of substances within the Community
  • The Annex XV dossier must demonstrate that there is a risk to human health or the environment that needs to be addressed at EU-wide level and will need to identify the most appropriate set of risk reduction measures
  • Interested parties will have an opportunity to comment during different stages within the process and the ECHA Committees will provide opinions on any proposed restriction

Consultation

Restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, preparations and articles can have serious trade implications. Restrictions can also have implications for the end user or consumer, as certain products may no longer be on the market for a particular use.

Socio-economic arguments are taken into account when drafting an Annex XVII restrictions dossier, with the possibility of both permanent and time-limited derogations being granted for the use of certain substances.

The REACH Regulation provides interested parties with the opportunity to comment during different stages within the restriction process. The ECHA Committees will provide opinions on any proposed restriction and the European Commission will make a final decision on the proposed restriction.

Current Consultations

There are currently no restriction proposals under public consultation :

The HSA aims to ensure that all relevant stakeholders are consulted as early as possible in the process so that they are given the opportunity to comment on the proposed restrictions. Public consultations on all restrictions are facilitated through ECHA & EU Consultations section of the Chemicals website.

See the Restrictions tab of ECHA's Registry of Intention for substances which Member State authorities intend to submit an Annex XV restriction dossier in the future.