FRANCE: new guidance on substances with endocrine disrupting properties

Over the past few months, there have been several discussions and insights related to the complex topic of endocrine disruptors.

Among the regulatory updates, the best known is Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/707, which introduced, among others, the concept of "endocrine disruption to human health" within Regulation (EC) 1272/2008.

But how are endocrine disruptors defined in this Regulation? They result in substances or mixtures that alter one or more functions on the endocrine system, causing adverse effects on an intact organism, its progeny, populations or subpopulations. 

They are thus substances that can alter the hormonal balance, affecting the control and regulation of various organ functions with repercussions even in the long term and extend to the individual's offspring.

Regulatory update for the French market

In recent days, the French Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion has published three different Arrêtés, with the aim of providing information to consumers on the possible presence of substances with endocrine-disrupting properties in ingredients, mixtures, articles and food products according to what the AGEC Law indicates.

Thus, in the Journal officiel "Lois et Décrets" JORF n° 0237 du 12 octobre 2023, these documents appear to be available, which state:

List of substances with suspected, presumed or proven endocrine disrupting properties, with information on:

• Substance name
• EC no.
• CAS no
• Mention yes/no among SVHC substances in Candidate List of REACH Regulation.

Mode of making the information available through specific Scan4Chem application.

A mode is thus designated for the transmission of information on the presence in products of substances qualified as suspected, presumed or proven endocrine disruptors.

This Arrêté also indicates that in terms of definitions:

• "food" is defined as in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002.
• "Substance," "mixture," and "article" should be referred to as per Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006

Terms related to the content and presentation indications of information with reference to the specific points of "article L. 5232-5 du code de la santé publique"

To better clarify the different points of Décret n° 2022-748 du 29 avril 2022 (AGEC Law), a formal FAQ document divided into the following points was also published on October 18:

General issues

• Scope of application
• Modalities of information
• Controls and sanctions

Environmental qualities and characteristics

• Repairability index and durability index
• Compostability
• Incorporation of recycled materials
• Use of renewable resources
• Possibility of reuse
• Recyclability
• Precious metals and rare earths
• Presence of hazardous substances
• Traceability
• Plastic microfibers

How can we help you

LabAnalysis, with its years of experience and dedicated, state-of-the-art instrumentation, can support you in monitoring your compliance status against the new indications introduced by these regulatory updates. 

Further informations:
info@labanalysis.it