On 17 February 2016, the EU Official Journal has published a new Regulation (EU) 2016/217, amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) as regards cadmium. Paints containing cadmium in a concentration (expressed as Cd metal) equal to or greater than 0,01 % by weight shall not be used or placed on the market. And this regulation shall enter into force on 8 March 2016.

In column 2 of entry 23 of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

Of which, paints with codes [3208] means paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium; paints with codes [3209] means paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.

    As from now on, plastic materials, paints and brazing fillers that contain cadmium are restriced by entry 23 of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, STQ remind you pay high attention to cadmium restriction and develop a detailed coping strategy in advance.