Detergents REACH Information

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has established REACH as of June 1, 2007. REACH stands for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of Chemicals, and addresses the production, import and use of chemical substances and their potential impacts on human health and the environment.

In December 2012 the substance group “4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated [covering well defined substances and UVCB substances, polymers and homologues]”, including Triton™ X-100 were added to the candidate list by ECHA. ECHA Entry for 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated.

Octylphenol ethoxylates (OPE) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) are included in the European Authorisation list (Annex XIV) of REACH. This has implications on the availability of these substances for EU manufacturers, importers, and downstream users as well as non-European manufacturers exporting their products into the EU.

The REACH Annex XIV sunset date is January 4, 2021. After this date, OPE and NPE products cannot be used, unless authorization was granted by the authorities or the intended use is exempted from authorization.

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The information contained in this letter expresses only the intention of the sender and does not constitute a binding obligation. While the information has been provided to the best of our knowledge, no representations or warranties are made with regard to its completeness or accuracy. Except for any mandatory statutory liability, no liability will be accepted for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance on the information unless the damages were caused by grossly negligent or willful behavior. Existing laws and regulations are to be observed in all cases by our customers. This also applies in respect to any rights of third parties. Our information and advice do not relieve our customers of their own responsibility for checking the suitability of our products for the envisaged purpose.

Triton is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company or an affiliated company of Dow.