Talc: industry calls for postponement of the decision on harmonised classification as Carc. 1B, H350 and STOT RE 1, H372
Industry associations challenge the RAC conclusions and call for further assessment of the scientific evidence concerning the effects of talc and the relevant exposure routes
08 Sept 2026In September 2024 ECHA’s Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) adopted its opinion on the proposal for the harmonised classification of talc (Mg₃H₂(SiO₃)₄), recommending its classification as Carc. 1B, H350 and STOT RE 1, H372, without specifying a particular route of exposure for the latter hazard class.
The proposal has now returned to the centre of the European regulatory debate. During the 58th CARACAL meeting in July 2026, industry associations expressed significant concerns regarding the RAC’s conclusions and requested a one-year postponement of the decision on the classification, considering that further assessment of the outstanding scientific issues is necessary, particularly with regard to Poorly Soluble Low Toxicity (PSLT) particles and routes of exposure. Several Member States also expressed support for the postponement.
Among the associations most actively involved in the matter is EUROTALC, which formally supported the request for postponement, arguing that, in its view, the evidence currently available does not justify a classification applicable regardless of the route of exposure. In particular, the association claims that any regulatory action should focus on the respirable fraction of talc and exposure by inhalation.
The matter is expected to be discussed again by the European Commission during a dedicated CARACAL session scheduled for September 2026.
The decision on the classification therefore remains open, and it will be important to monitor further developments at European level, considering the widespread use of talc both in consumer products and in industrial applications, where the potential adoption of the Carc. 1B, H350 classification would have a significant impact.