Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance used as a developer of pigments in the manufacture of thermal papers, in particular used in receipts, receipts or in fax paper.

In April 2013, ANSES presented the results of an assessment of the health risks associated with bisphenol A, as well as an inventory of potential alternatives to the use of this substance. The assessment then highlighted potential risks, particularly related to the handling of thermal paper containing BPA for the unborn children of exposed women. On the basis of this report, in May 2013, ANSES was asked, under the REACH Regulation, to prepare a proposal for a restriction on the use of BPA in thermal papers. All the elements present in the restriction dossier proposed by ANSES are summarized in the opinion it is publishing today.

ANSES’s proposal

In this restriction dossier, ANSES proposes that the concentration of BPA used in the manufacture of thermal paper not exceed 0.02% by weight. At this concentration, this limit value would in fact correspond to a ban on BPA.

Furthermore, there is currently no standard analytical method at European level for measuring the BPA content in thermal paper, but several methods exist for other materials and might be used for this purpose (such as the XP CEN methods /TS 13130-13:2005-05-01 and NF EN ISO 18857-2:2012-01).

The restriction proposal includes an extensive analysis of possible alternatives to BPA in thermal paper, including alternative chemical developers as well as alternative printing techniques and paperless techniques such as the electronic ticket. With regard to alternative developers in particular, and although the substitution of BPA in thermal paper has already begun in Europe, ANSES emphasizes that given the uncertainties inherent in their hazard profile, no chemical substance can currently be recommended as a safe alternative to BPA. Certain other bisphenols might in particular have similar toxic properties.

The restriction proposal also contains an in-depth socio-economic analysis of the costs and benefits that the proposed restriction would generate in the form of a detailed assessment of the economic, social and health impacts of the measure at European level.

Public consultation by ECHA until 18 December 2014

This proposal has been subject to public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) since June 18, 2014, for a period of six months. Following this consultation stage, ECHA’s Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will deliver, on the basis of all the data, a final opinion which will be forwarded to the European Commission for decision whether or not to include the proposed restriction in the REACH Regulation.

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH)