ECHA updates C&L Inventory and Registry of Intentions Following EU court ruling on Titanium Dioxide classification

The European Court of Justice established that, starting from August 1st, 2025, the harmonized classification of titanium dioxide [in powder form containing ≥ 1% of particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm] (EC 236-675-5) as a suspected carcinogen is no longer valid. The decision came after a long judicial process in which several operators and Member States contested the scientific validity of the studies underlying the classification and the evaluation methods adopted by European authorities.

Following the ruling, ECHA updated its regulatory resources: the harmonized classification of titanium dioxide was removed from the C&L Inventory (Classification & Labelling Inventory), and the Registry of Intentions was adjusted to reflect the new situation. Furthermore, the specific guidance on the classification and labelling of titanium dioxide was removed from the website, as it is no longer current.

Starting from August 1st, 2025, titanium dioxide will no longer be considered a suspected carcinogen by inhalation under Annex VI of the CLP Regulation. Sector operators will therefore need to refer to the new guidelines published by ECHA and accordingly adjust the classification and labelling of products placed on the market.

The ruling also highlights the importance of rigorous and transparent scientific evaluation in regulatory decisions in the chemical field. It is likely that, in the upcoming ATPs, the annulment of the harmonized classification will be officially confirmed.