Criterion 0.5 Endocrine disruptors, new sub-criterion f) Potential endocrine disruptors
Byggvarubedömningen has decided to introduce the criterion Potential endocrine disruptor as a new sub-criterion f) in criterion 0.5 Endocrine disruptors. The reason is that this criterion has been introduced in the Swedish Chemicals Agency's PRIO criteria.
The substances covered by the criterion Potential endocrine disruptor are substances on ECHA's "ED assessment list", i.e. substances for which the EU chemicals agencies evaluate Endocrine disrupting properties. PRIO has included these substances in its database of substances. The criterion will have a content limit of 1% for the level Accepted and 0,1% for the level Recommended.
The metal copper is covered by the criterion, but it is not covered when the substance is used in solid form (e.g. in alloys, sheets, cables, lighting products, etc.). What is covered by the criterion is copper in ionic form, e.g. as a biocide in impregnated wood or in chemical products, as it is during the release of ions that an endocrine disrupting effect can occur. The metal silver is also covered by the criterion, but we are waiting to assess silver as it will be included in the upcoming ATP 22.
This sub-criterion will enter into force on the 3rd of February 2025.
Reporting requirements – the reporting of UV- and heat stabilizers in plastics and rubber
Additives in plastic and rubber are covered by Byggvarubedömningen's Reporting requirements. Additives that can be found in plastics and rubber include e g plasticizers, flame retardants, fillers, pigments and stabilizers.
As it has emerged, it is very difficult to obtain information about which UV- or heat stabilizers have been used in the plastics from many suppliers. Because of this, we have decided to introduce a general time-limited exemption for the additive group UV- or heat stabilizers. Other additives continue to be covered by our Reporting requirements, which means that all suppliers need to know which additives that are used and in what concentrations, to know whether they should be reported in the assessment application.
Please note that this exception only applies to stabilizers and no other additives!
This exemption will enter into force on September 2, 2024. Here is a link to the Reporting requirements.
You can also find more information in the document “Additives in plastics and rubber” that you can find under “Supplement to the criteria” here.
The change of date for two upcoming changes in the criteria
On 17 January 2024, a number of criteria changes were announced that would enter into force on the 2nd of September 2024, see this link. Two of these criteria changes will have a change of date and are planned to enter into force on the 3rd of February 2025. See the two criteria below.
Lifecycle aspects criterion 4. Leaching of substances that could have potential impact on water quality
The changes for the criterion Leaching will have a change of date, see a link to notification of the updated criterion here.
This change of the criteria is scheduled to enter into force on 3 February 2025.
Lifecycle aspects criterion 5.2 Recycling
The changes regarding the handling of products containing ≥30% mineral wool will have a change of date, information about the change can be found here.
This change of the criteria is scheduled to enter into force on 3 February 2025.