On February 4, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced Belgium’s intention to introduce harmonized classification and labeling (CLH) for n-Phenyl-p-Phenylenediamine, an hair dyeing ingredient.
n-(4-aminophenyl)aniline (CAS No.: 101-54-2, EC No.: 202-951-9, INCI: n-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine) is an ingredient listed in Cosing, with the function: Hair coloring agent.
The substance is regulated by Annex III/8 of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, which stipulates that “after mixing under oxidation conditions, the maximum content applied to the hair must not exceed 3% calculated on a free base basis”, and requires the labeling to include precautionary statements and other warnings.
It is not currently included in Annex VI of the European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
Belgium intends to propose classifying the substance under three aspects:
• skin sensitization,
• Reproductive toxicity,
• Specific toxicity to certain target organs in case of repeated exposure.
If the process comes to an end, n-Phenyl-p-phenylenediamine could be listed as a reprotoxic substance (and therefore CMR), and its use could be compromised in cosmetic products in Europe, unless an exemption from the ban is granted after consultation with the SCCS.
Source
• Registry of CLH intentions until outcome - N-(4-aminophenyl)aniline , ECHA, February 4, 2026
