Alternative Chemical Name Requests - ECHA launches a new procedure
A new online form allows manufacturers, importers and downstream users to request the use of alternative chemical names. Companies may choose to do this if they believe that the disclosure of a substance name on the label of their mixtures or in the safety data sheets reveals business secrets or intellectual property.
Suppliers of mixtures (e.g. paints) must inform users of any hazardous ingredient in the mixture by disclosing its chemical identity (name, CAS number and trade name if applicable). Under certain conditions, ECHA or EU Member States authorities may grant exemptions from this obligation. Article 24 of CLP allows the submission of requests for the use of an alternative name for the substance not to be revealed. Before such exemptions are granted, ECHA examines whether the safe use of the mixture may be compromised.
Manufacturers, Importers and Downstream Users will submit their application for using an alternative name to ECHA if the overall mixture is classified and labelled according to the CLP Regulation (comes into force in 2015).
If the mixture is still classified and labelled according to the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD), the alternative name request has to be submitted to a Competent Authority in one of the EU Member States where the substance is placed on the market.
On the ECHA website, navigate in the panel on the left hand side CLP >> Alternative Chemical Name in Mixtures for more info.