On May 14, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that Germany had submitted a new proposal for harmonized classification and labeling (CLH) of the antibacterial agent Benzotriazole and its inorganic salts.
1H-benzotriazole (CAS No.95-14-7, EC No.202-394-1, INCI: Benzotriazole) is an ingrédient listed in tne Cosing, with the function: Antibacterial.
The substance is not currently regulated by European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
It has been added in Annex VI/613-350-00-X of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008 by the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2564 (22nd ATP), with the following classification suivante:
• Aquatic Chronic 2, H411 - Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Germany proposes new classifications:
• Acute Tox. 4, H302 - Harmful if swallowed
• Carc. 2, H351 - Suspected of causing cancer
• Repr. 2, H361d - Suspected of damaging the unborn child
• ED ENV 1, EUH430 - May cause endocrine disruption in the environment
• PMT, EUH450 - Can cause long-lasting and diffuse contamination of water resources
• vPvM, EUH451 - Can cause very long-lasting and diffuse contamination of water resources
If this process is completed and these classifications become effective, Benzotriazole could be listed as a CMR and/or an endocrine disruptor, and its use could be banned in cosmetic products in Europe, unless the ban is waived following an Opinion from the SCCS.
