The European Commission has published Regulation 707/2023, which introduced new hazard classes for PBT, vPvB, PMT, vPvM, and ED substances affecting human health and the environment.
Overview of the New Hazard Categories
The categories included in the classification system pertain to the following toxicological and environmental properties:
ED HH (Cats. 1 and 2): Endocrine disruptors for human health.
ED ENV (Cats. 1 and 2): Endocrine disruptors for the environment
PBT / vPvB: Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances / Very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances.
PMT / vPvM: Persistent, mobile, and toxic substances / Very persistent and very mobile substances.
Overview of Hazard Statements (EUH Phrases)
Hazard Category and Class EUH Code Hazard Statement Text
| Hazard class and category code | Hazard statement code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|---|
| ED HH 1 | EUH380 | May cause endocrine disruption in humans |
| ED HH 2 | EUH381 | Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in humans |
| ED ENV 1 | EUH430 | May cause endocrine disruption in the environment |
| ED ENV 2 | EUH431 | Suspected of causing endocrine disruption in the environment |
| PBT | EUH440 | Accumulates in the environment and living organisms including in humans |
| vPvB | EUH441 | Strongly accumulates in the environment and living organisms including in humans |
| PMT | EUH450 | Can cause long-lasting and diffuse contamination of water resources |
| vPvM | EUH451 | Can cause very long-lasting and diffuse contamination of water resources |
Compliance Deadlines and Transition Periods
The Regulation entered into force on April 20, 2023. As of this date, companies may comply with the new self-classifications on a voluntary basis, while Member States are already authorized to submit proposals for harmonized classifications.
To ensure a gradual transition, the legislator has established different binding deadlines based on the type of product:
Chemical Substances
New substances placed on the market: compliance required as of May 1, 2025.
Substances already on the market: deadline set for November 1, 2026.
Chemical Mixtures
New mixtures placed on the market: mandatory adoption starting May 1, 2026.
Mixtures already on the market: labels and classifications must be updated by May 1, 2028.
