The Delegated Regulation introduces new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors, as well as for chemicals that do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, or risk entering and spreading across the water cycle, including drinking water. The Commission adopted this Delegated Act on 19 December 2022, which then passed through the European Parliament and the Council and was published in the Official Journal on 31 March 2023.
The new hazard classes are the result of extensive scientific discussions and will provide easier access to information to all users of such chemicals, notably consumers, workers and businesses. They allow further action to address and mitigate the risks of substances and mixtures under other EU legislation such as REACH, while taking account of socio-economic impacts.