Dangerous substances and preparations: restrictions on the marketing and use of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, methylenediphenyl diisocyanate, cyclohexane and ammonium nitrate

The European Parliament adopted, by 678 votes to 9 with 7 abstentions, a legislative resolution amending the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 76/769/EEC as regards restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethanol, 2-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol, methylenediphenyl diisocyanate, cyclohexane and ammonium nitrate. The report had been tabled for consideration in plenary by Miroslav OUZKY (EPP-ED, CZ), on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. The amendments were the result of a compromise between Parliament and Council.

The main amendments – adopted under 1st reading of the codecsion procedure – were as follows:

- DEGME restrictions should also apply to cleaning agents, self-shining emulsions and floor sealants;

- DEGBE restrictions should also apply for the spray form of cleaning products, as the possibility of inhalation is also likely;

- MDI: gloves for MDI should be protective gloves which comply with the requirements of Council Directive 89/686/EEC. MDI packaging must be visibly marked as follows: “persons already sensitized to diisocyanates may develop allergic reactions when using this product;

- persons suffering from asthma, eczema or skin problems should avoid contact, including dermal contact, with this product.

- this product should not be used under conditions of poor ventilation unless a protective mask with an appropriate gas filter (i.e. type A1 according to standard EN 14387) is used."

- Cyclohexane should have a reduced package size of 350g rather than 650g as the Commission had proposed;

Ammonium Nitrate: Parliament restricted the marketing of Ammonium Nitrate in preparations that contain 16 % or more by mass of nitrogen in relation to ammonium nitrate except for supply to: downstream users and distributors, farmers for use in agricultural activities, and persons engaged in professional activities such as horticulture, plant growing in greenhouses, maintenance of parks, gardens or sport pitches, forestry or other similar activities.

However, Member States may until 1 July 2014, for socio-economic reasons, apply a limit of up to 20% by mass of nitrogen in relation to ammonium nitrate for substances and preparations placed on the market within their territories.

Parliament defined the terms “farmer” and “agricultural activity”.