SUMMARY

• ECHA has launched a public consultation on TMAD (formaldehyde released from the reaction products of glyoxal and urea and formaldehyde), to collect information on uses, potential alternatives, and socio-economic impacts, as well as evidence supporting possible derogation conditions under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).

MORE INFORMATION

• TMAD is a formaldehyde-releasing biocidal active substance and is classified as a Candidate for Substitution (CfS) under the BPR due to its carcinogenicity.
• Its main intended use falls under PT6 (Preservatives for products during storage), where it is used to preserve products such as washing and cleaning fluids, other detergents, paints and coatings, and glues and adhesives.
• TMAD is added to these products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth during storage, ensuring product stability until use.
• Initial assessments indicate that no suitable direct alternative has yet been identified with comparable applicability and hazard profile for these uses.

NEXT STEPS

• The consultation deadline is 8 May.
• Members may wish to provide feedback to ECHA if they hold relevant information regarding technical feasibility, potential alternatives, or justification for derogation.
• Further updates will be shared as the process progresses.