Protecting Consumers from Hidden Dangers: Electronic Cigarettes and Fresh Scents
A New EU Project launched by the Enforcement Forum of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) targets mislabeled mixtures
Across Europe, countless products line store shelves, promising everything from fresh scents to Electronic Cigarettes. However, lurking within some of these seemingly innocuous items can be hidden dangers: hazardous mixtures that lack proper classification and labeling. To address this concern, a new EU-wide project, codenamed REF-14, has been launched by the Enforcement Forum of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This initiative aims to safeguard the health of consumers, particularly children, by ensuring proper labeling and packaging of these potentially harmful mixtures.
The project targets a specific vulnerability: the inconsistency in classifying and labeling hazardous mixtures found in everyday products. Take, for instance, air fresheners – what might seem like a harmless way to enhance your home environment could contain sensitizing or irritating substances. Similarly, nicotine products, often readily available, might not be clearly marked with the presence of acutely toxic materials.
The repercussions of such inconsistencies are significant. Consumers, unaware of the potential hazards, may unknowingly expose themselves or their families to harmful chemicals. Furthermore, the lack of child-resistant fastenings on some of these products can put children at particular risk of accidental exposure.
REF-14 seeks to rectify this situation. Inspectors will be deployed to scrutinize the practices of suppliers, ensuring they comply with the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. This entails a comprehensive review: proper classification and labeling of the mixtures, packaging that meets safety standards, and the inclusion of child-resistant fastenings where necessary. Additionally, inspections will delve into the notifications submitted to poison centers and examine the safety data sheets for these mixtures.
The project timeline stretches over two years, with preparation work taking place throughout 2025 and inspections commencing in 2026. However, REF-14 is not the only initiative undertaken by the Enforcement Forum.
The Forum also set its sights on a pilot project focusing on «only representatives.» These entities register imported substances, including those present in mixtures. Inspectors will target potential «free-riders» and fraudulent operators within this system, creating a more balanced and fair playing field for companies across the EU. Scrutiny will involve verifying the accuracy of registered tonnage for substances. Companies under-reporting tonnage could be hindering efforts to provide adequate risk management information to both users and authorities. Furthermore, inspectors will ensure proper record-keeping practices by only representatives, including details on covered importers and their obligations regarding safety data sheets.
Recognizing the importance of transparency, the Forum is exploring a new avenue for stakeholder engagement. Future stakeholder workshops will be piloted as public broadcasts, showcasing the results and recommendations gleaned from enforcement projects. This initiative aims to raise awareness about compliance issues and the critical work undertaken by enforcement authorities.
The Enforcement Forum and its dedicated biocides subgroup, BPRS, serve as vital networks for enforcement authorities across the EU and EEA (European Economic Area). Their combined efforts ensure the effective enforcement of regulations like REACH, CLP, and the Biocidal Product Regulation. Ultimately, their focus lies in safeguarding both human health and the environment, while fostering a level playing field for businesses within the vast EU market.
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Source: ECHA
