Australia looks into gamma butyrolactone ban in cosmetics

The Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling (ACCS) and the Advisory Committee on Medicines Scheduling (ACMS) are proposing to amend the entry of gamma butyrolactone in the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP or the Poisons Standard).

The DoH is seeking comment on whether to have a separate entry for gamma butyrolactone in either Appendix C or in Schedule 9.

The Poisons Standard classifies substances in nine distinct schedules which signify the degree of risk, and recommend the extent of control over a substance’s availability to the public.

Schedule 9 contains prohibited substances while Appendix C contains substances other than those included in Schedule 9 that are considered a danger to health and are prohibited from sale, supply or use.

The ACCS and ACMS will consider all valid submissions and provide advice to the DoH, which will then make an interim scheduling decision which is expected to be published on 5 February 2015.

The consultation is open until 11 September.

Other potential bans​

NICNAS has also been looking into DBP, used as a perfume solvent, skin emollient or plasticiser in nail polish which could be banned as soon as October 1^st​ in Australia, due to its’ classification as a reproductive toxicant.

There are currently no restrictions on the manufacture, import or use of DBP in Australia.

To date there has been no reports found as to the phthalate being manufactured as a raw material in Australia; however it is imported into the country mainly as a component of finished products or mixtures and also as a raw material for local formulation and processing.

Thus, the authority is now seeking an early implementation date.