EU REACH Regulation: Restrictions on Cyclic Siloxanes (D4, D5, D6)
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 (published May 16, 2024; phased application from June 6, 2026)
Overview
The European Commission adopted Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1328, amending REACH Annex XVII, substantially tightening restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of the cyclic siloxanes D4 (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane), D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane), and D6 (dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane).
Because D4, D5, and D6 exhibit PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic) and vPvB (very persistent, very bioaccumulative) properties, the restriction now extends beyond rinse-off cosmetics and detergents (already restricted) to cover leave-on cosmetics, dry cleaning, and residual monomer concentrations (each above 0.1% by weight) in the manufacture and molding of industrial silicone rubber, elastomers, and sealants.
Enforcement Timeline
January 2018: A restriction on D4/D5 in rinse-off cosmetics (below 0.1%) is adopted (applying from 2020).
May 16, 2024: Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 is published, extending the restriction to D6 and a wide range of industrial and cosmetic uses.
June 6, 2026: The 0.1% restriction takes effect for leave-on cosmetics and other consumer products and cleaning agents.
2027–2031: Phased transition periods end for industrial silicone polymer feedstocks, medical devices, and specific professional applications.
Business Impact
Manufacturers of silicone materials and chemicals, as well as precision equipment and automotive component makers, need to introduce refining technology that keeps residual unreacted D4/D5/D6 siloxane concentrations below 0.1% (1,000 ppm) in raw silicone resins and rubbers, or switch to siloxane-free alternative materials.