Swedish Chemicals Agency Consults on Proposed MCCPs RoHS Restriction

The Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemi) has opened a stakeholder consultation on its proposal to restrict medium-chained chlorinated paraffins (MCCP).

The agency is investigating whether it is appropriate to propose the restriction of MCCP under the EU's Directive on the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment.

Kemi says MCCPs are classified as environmentally hazardous and can affect human reproduction. They are used in plasticisers and flame retardants in electronics – mainly in cables made of PVC.

In March last year, consultancy Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) launched the second phase of its public consultation on the proposal on behalf of Kemi. It produced a report that has been published to coincide with the new stakeholder consultation. It includes:

> scientific data;

> legislative issues;

> information on the use of MCCP and harmful effects on human health and the environment;

> exposure in the waste management process;

> alternatives to MCCP; and

> socio-economic assessment.

The consultation closes on 15 September.