UK Statutory Instrument 2026/23 (4-MBC and CMR substances)
The UV filter 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC, CAS 38102-62-4) is prohibited, and sixteen substances classified as CMR join the prohibited list, among them TPO (CAS 75980-60-8). Products with a formaldehyde-releasing preservative must say “releases formaldehyde” when the finished product contains more than 0.001% formaldehyde. The instrument extends to England, Wales and Scotland; Northern Ireland follows the EU rules.
| Published | SI 2026/23, made 12 January 2026; notified to the WTO as G/TBT/N/GBR/107 |
|---|---|
| Comments to | |
| Applies | 4-MBC and formaldehyde labelling: 15 July 2026 · 16 CMR substances: 15 August 2026 |
| Off the market | Until the end of 14 January 2027 for products that contain 4-MBC and carry the old formaldehyde wording · until the end of 14 February 2027 for the 16 CMR substances |
| Annexes | Annex II · 4-MBC, entry 1744; 16 CMR substances, entries 1745–1760 Annex V preamble · “releases formaldehyde” above 0.001% Annex VI · 4-MBC, entry 18, deleted |
Entered