New REACH authorisations: use of tetraethyl lead and review for arsenic acid

In recent weeks, a certain number of REACH authorizations related to the use of tetraethyl lead (EC No.: 201-075-4; CAS No.: 78-00-2) and arsenic acid (EC No.: 231-901-9; CAS No.: 7778-39-4) have been issued and revised by the European Commission. Below is a brief list of the most recent decisions on the matter:

On 04/11/2025, the following revision of authorization regarding the use of arsenic acid was issued:

• To the company Circuit Foil Luxembourg SARL for the industrial use of arsenic acid for the treatment of copper foils used in the production of printed circuit boards.

On 04/11/2025, the following authorization regarding the use of tetraethyl lead was issued:

• To the company Trafigura Ventures V.B.V. for mixing TEL in the formulation of aviation gasoline;
• To the company Warter Fuels Spółka Akcyjn for the formulation of aviation fuel.

It should be noted in this regard that certain actors in the supply chain, such as the manufacturer, importer, or downstream user who have not received appropriate authorization for use, as stated in Art. 56 of Reg. 1907/2006, must refrain from placing a substance on the market if it is included in the list of substances subject to authorization in Annex XIV. Substances subject to authorization are considered such because they are extremely concerning for health and/or the environment.

We remind you that the REACH authorization requirement aims to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market, to adequately control the risks posed by substances of very high concern, and to ensure that these are progressively replaced by suitable substances or alternative technologies that are technically and economically viable.

Companies concerned may request authorization from the European Commission to place on the market for the use of substances listed in Annex XIV of Reg. 1907/2006 when one of the following two conditions is met:

• It is demonstrated, through a chemical safety report, that the risk to human health and the environment is adequately controlled regarding the use of the substance itself (Art. 60, para. 2);
• It is proven that the socioeconomic benefits outweigh the risks that the use of the substance entails for human health or the environment and that there are no suitable alternative substances or technologies (Art. 60, para. 4).

In the cases listed above, the authorization was granted in accordance with Art. 60, para. 4 of Reg. 1907/2006.