EU Proposes New Restrictions on CMR Substances Under REACH

The European Commission notified the World Trade Organization on January 19, 2026, about a draft regulation that will restrict several carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxic (CMR) substances under REACH Annex XVII.

The draft regulation will add recently classified CMR category 1A and 1B substances to entries 28 to 30 of REACH Annex XVII. These substances cannot be sold or supplied to the general public as pure substances, as part of other substances, or in mixtures. Products containing these substances must have a label that says "restricted to professional users". The draft also introduces additivity rules that align with the CLP system, meaning the total concentration of all classified substances in a mixture will be added together to check if the restriction limit is reached. The regulation includes one exception for nitrous oxide (EC No. 233-032-0, CAS No 10024-97-2) when used as a food additive. 

The Commission plans to adopt the regulation in the first quarter of 2026, with entry into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. For substances classified under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1222, the application date will be February 1, 2027.

The full notification (G/TBT/N/EU/1185) and draft regulation are available on the WTO website.