The Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemi) wants to prepare a RoHS Annex II dossier for the restriction of the use of medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in electrical and electronic equipment, in accordance with Article 6(1) of the recast EU Directive on the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment.

As a first step, Kemi has commissioned consultancy RPA to produce a study.

RPA is holding a two-phase public consultation to collect information on existing uses and relevant quantities of the substance, waste management and relevant emissions, exposure information and known and applied alternatives.

The first phase is underway and intends to collect information on uses in electrical and electronic equipment, and quantities of MCCPs in the EU, from all relevant stakeholders, regarding:

• any use of MCCP or MCCP-containing products (mixtures/articles) that takes place in the EU, including, where available, the respective tonnages; and
• their presence in mixtures or equipment of non-EU origin, which are placed on the EU market.

The second phase of the consultation is planned for the spring of 2016. There will be a separate announcement and questionnaire.

Reminder: It is still unknown that whether MCCP will be included in RoHS Annex II as the 11th substance to be regulated. But related companies can seize the preemptive change to research into the alternative technology for MCCP for preparation. C&K Testing will track on news and pass on the latest information as soon as possible.