ECHA consultation on harmonized C&L for four pesticides

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a new public consultation on proposals for harmonized classification and labeling (C&L) of four pesticide active ingredients.

The CLP Regulation, which is the implementation of GHS in the EU, includes provisions allowing member states, manufacturers, importers or downstream users to submit proposals for harmonized classification and labeling of substances to ECHA. The objective is to have a single and common C&L for substances throughout the EU, to manage risk by eliminating inconsistencies. Harmonized C&L is required under any of the following three cases: a substance is carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction or a respiratory sensitizer; a substance is an active substance in biocidal or plant protection products; or there is a justification that a classification at the EU level is needed. Comments can be made until June 28, 2012.

The four active ingredients are the following, along with the proposed harmonized C&L:

Isoxaflutole (herbicide): addition of an acute M-factor of 10; addition of a chronic M-factor of 100.

Tembotrione (herbicide): skin sensitization; specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure; hazardous to the aquatic environment.

Metosulam (herbicide): carcinogenicity; specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure; hazardous to the aquatic environment.

Potassium sorbate (wood preservative): skin irritation; serious eye irritation.