BPA in Thermal Paper Restricted Under REACH

The European Union (EU) has implemented a new law to restrict the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper. The new directive, published as Regulation (EU) 2016/2235, limits the permissible amount of BPA to no more than 200mg/kg and will become effective on January 2, 2020. The new law creates a new entry, number 66, in Annex XVII of REACH.

Thermal paper is defined as a paper base with at least one coating that changes color when exposed to heat. It is considered probable that, once the restrictions come into force, BPA will be replaced with bisphenol S (BPS). Currently BPS has not been evaluated and, due to its structural similarities to BPA, there may be a similar toxicological effect. Its use will therefore be monitored and authorities have indicated it will, if necessary, also be restricted under REACH.

The new regulations are based upon a French dossier containing evidence of the potential risk to workers, primarily cashiers, consumers and their unborn children from exposure to BPA. The EU signified its intention to restrict the use of BPA in thermal paper in a notification circulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in early 2016. Regulation (EU) 2016/2235 was then published by the EU on December 13, 2016.

The new law will become effective on January 2, 2020 and stakeholders are now advised to check compliance with the changes to REACH.

SGS REACH Services
SGS keeps interested parties informed about developments and changes to REACH regulations. Their expertise, combined with consultancy services and experience in consumer product supply chains, provides a central point of contact for global solutions. Learn more about SGS’s REACH Services. (www.sgs.com/reach)

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Regulates BPA in Thermal Paper under REACH SafeGuardS. (www.sgs.com/en/news/2016/12/safeguards-19416-eu-regulates-bpa-in-thermal-paper-under-reach)

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For further information contact:

Hing Wo Tsang
Global Hardlines Information and Innovation Manager
Tel:(+852) 2774 7420
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines

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This release was published on openPR.