EU REACH Regulation: Cobalt Octoate (Paint and Ink Drying Agent) — Reproductive Toxicity Classification and SVHC Listing
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
SVHC identification October 2023; restriction and substitution requirements progressively advancing
Overview
Cobalt octoate (cobalt bis(2-ethylhexanoate)) is an organometallic compound widely used as a curing accelerator and drying agent in oil-based paints, printing inks, and unsaturated polyester resins.
Following its harmonized classification as reproductive toxicity Category 1A under the 17th ATP amendment to the EU's CLP Regulation, ECHA identified and added cobalt octoate to the REACH Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in October 2023. This creates communication and SCIP-notification obligations wherever the substance is present above 0.1% in an article or mixture, and is accelerating a shift in the paint and ink industry toward non-cobalt driers based on manganese or iron complexes.
Enforcement Timeline
October 2021: Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/849 (17th ATP) reclassifies the substance as reproductive toxicity Category 1A under the CLP Regulation.
October 25, 2023: ECHA formally adds cobalt octoate to the SVHC Candidate List.
From 2024: Paint, printing ink, and resin formulators progress in evaluating and adopting non-cobalt drier alternatives.
Business Impact
Manufacturers of paints, printing inks, and resin materials must update Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for products containing cobalt octoate, notify EU customers of SVHC content, and reformulate to non-cobalt driers with validated alternative technology.