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, a 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 dyeing.
The substance is regulated by Annex III/8 of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, which stipulates that “after mixing under oxidising conditions, the maximum concentration applied to the hair must not exceed 3 per cent, calculated as the free base”, and requires the labelling to include precautions for use and other warnings.
It is not currently listed in Annex VI of the European CLP Regulation 1272/2008.
Belgium intends to propose classifying the substance in three ways:
• Skin sensitisation
• Reproductive toxicity
• Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure
If the process is completed, 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 exempted from the ban after consultation with the SCCS.
Source
• Registry of CLH intentions until outcome - N-(4-aminophenyl)aniline, ECHA, 4 February 2026
