Important changes to HOCNF requirements
Status of OECD 302 Inherent Biodegradability Data
Subject to confirmation by the OSPAR Heads of Delegation Meeting
in September, it was agreed at the OIC 2010 meeting that inherent
biodegradability data (such as that obtained from the OECD 302
test) will no longer be considered acceptable at the discretion of
a contracting party for the registration of offshore chemicals from
January 1st 2011. This change further harmonises HMCS with REACH.
As a result, after this date all products that rely upon OECD 302
data for their -registrations will be issued with substitution
warnings, UNLESS new biodegradation data from allowable methods is
provided beforehand that indicates that the substitution warning is
not warranted.
We advise you to check whether this change affects your products
directly, and make suitable arrangements where relevant. In
addition, it should be noted that certain products may be
indirectly affected by this change, i.e. those which currently
avoid the application of a substitution warning as a result of OECD
302 data through the United Kingdom's use of the Global
Approach.