EU will re-revise REACH regulations involving shoes leather

The second enforcement plan (REF-2) by the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) REACH Information Exchange Forum included inspections across 29 EU and EEA countries. These checks focused on whether downstream users were complying with REACH regulations and the Labeling and Packaging Regulations (CLP).

The findings revealed that nearly two-thirds of the inspected companies did not adhere to at least one provision of REACH or CLP. As a result, the European Commission emphasized the need for better quality in safety data sheets and stricter compliance with notification and registration obligations. They are urging the industry to improve their management of these documents and take greater responsibility for legal compliance.

Industry sources indicate that the European Commission has already started reviewing the REACH regulation. This ongoing process could lead to changes in parts of the regulation that are considered outdated or impractical. The latest findings may serve as a catalyst for more comprehensive reforms in the near future.

Last month, the European Commission submitted a proposal to the WTO to amend the REACH Regulation. Specifically, the amendment aims to introduce controls on hexavalent chromium in leather products and other items. If approved, the new provisions are expected to come into effect in early 2014 and be fully implemented by the first quarter of 2015.

Under the proposed amendment, the EU would ban the sale of leather goods or products containing leather parts that have more than 3 mg/kg of hexavalent chromium. This includes items such as shoes, clothing, hats, wristbands, and toys. Hexavalent chromium is known to cause severe allergic reactions in humans, even at very low concentrations. Studies show that exposure to this substance in leather products can lead to contact dermatitis and other skin issues.

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