REACH is a European Union-wide regulation to protect human health and the environment from any potential risks posed by chemicals, while maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of Europe’s chemicals industry.
This regulation applies to all chemical substances in the EU.
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. The policy also seeks to reduce research duplication and promote alternative hazard assessment methods.
Any company manufacturing or importing a chemical in quantities of one tonne or more each year has to register that substance under REACH with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The registration includes a dossier with detailed information on the chemical and its uses. Scientific studies on safety are also included in this dossier.
The TiO2 industry is committed to regularly updating and improving the REACH Dossier for TiO2 including annual literature searches and commissioning new studies to the latest standards.
Leading European manufacturers and suppliers of titanium dioxide (TiO2) have formed the Titanium Dioxide Industry Consortium (TDIC) to manage REACH registration of TiO2 and related substances produced in its manufacture. TiO2 is not subject to any restrictions or authorisations under REACH.
The TDIC also liaises with other registrants and downstream users to fulfil the obligations of REACH. This includes forming agreements between companies on classification and labelling, and enabling the sharing of data and research.
As a widely produced and used substance, the work of the TDIC and members of the large TiO2 SIEF provides comprehensive information about TiO2 and related substances. It helps companies that use TiO2 products to meet their regulatory obligations.
REACH Substance Evaluation
TiO2 is currently undergoing a Substance Evaluation under the ECHA Community rolling action plan (CoRAP). This is where Member States, France in the case of TiO2, carry out an evaluation and normally request further information.
As a result, TiO2 is undertaking a comprehensive tiered study in cooperation with the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), where Tier 1 is looking at different forms of TiO2.
The substances covered by REACH and managed by the TDIC are:
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) CAS 13463-67-7, EINECS 236-675-5 – Visit the What is titanium dioxide? section of this website for more information about TiO2 and the production process.
Titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) CAS 7550-45-0, EINECS 231-441-9) – A volatile liquid formed in the chloride process used to produce TiO2. Visit the titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4 section of this website.
Titanium oxide sulphate (TiOSO4) CAS 13825-74-6, EINECS 237-523-0 – This may be referred to as titanium oxygen sulfate. It is produced in the sulphate process for producing TiO2.
Dichloride titanium oxide (TiOCl2) CAS 13780-39-7, EINECS 237-430-5 – This chemical is produced in the chloride process for producing TiO2.
Disodium titanate (Na2O3Ti) CAS 12034-34-3, EINECS 234-802-9 – This is a related substance that has electrochemical and electroceramic uses.
