EU updates WTO on 3-BC ban

By Michelle Yeomans

- Last updated on GMT

EU updates WTO on 3-BC ban
The European Commission has notified the World Trade Organisation that it is prohibiting the use of 3-benzylidene-camphor (3-BC) in cosmetics.

The substance will be deleted from Annex VI's list of authorised UV filters of the European cosmetic products Regulation (CPR), and added to prohibited substances in Annex II.

The announcement follows an assessment by the SCCS last year that concluded the substance was not safe for use, due to its oestrogenic, anti-oestrogenic and anti-androgenic effects.

The WTO will accept comments on the proposal until 19 January 2015, while the date of adoption for the Regulation defining these actions is May 2015.

UV filters high on EC agenda

The Committee also ruled UV filter 1,1'-(1,4-piperazinediyl)bis[1-[2-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl]phenyl]-methanone (HAA299), safe at a concentration of up to 10% in sunscreen products. 

It scientific body reported that the substance does not pose any risk of systemic toxicity in humans at a concentration up to 10%, but does not cover the safety evaluation of the substance in its nanoform.

The ruling also does not apply to inhalation exposure, due to what the Committee says is down to a lack of data, noting that any new evidence on the dermal absorption potential of the substance in human skin may trigger its reassessment.

The SCCS also recently assessed nano UV filter tris-biphenyl triazine and concluded that at a use of 10% as a UV-filter in cosmetic products, it can be considered safe for dermal application.

However, the Committee stated that there was too much uncertainty to conclude about the safe use of the substance in spray applications, due to concerns over possible inhalation exposure.

"Spray products containing tris-biphenyl triazine cannot be recommended until additional information on safety after repeated inhalation is provided."

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