News Article
Melamine Flame Retardant Proposed for REACH Authorisation
On 18 November 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed adding Melamine (1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine, CAS No. 108-78-1) to Annex XIV of REACH, moving it from the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Authorisation List. This is one of four chemicals selected for full authorisation.
If the European Commission approves this proposal, companies wishing to continue using melamine in the EU will need to apply for authorisation. Applications will be assessed based on the socio-economic impact of removing the substance for the specific use requested.
Important points to note:
- At this stage, this is not a ban on products that already contain melamine
- If a product contains more than 0.1% melamine, Candidate List obligations still apply, including notification to ECHA and entry into the SCIP database
- The requirement for authorisation, if adopted, only applies to Melamine in its monomer form not to melamine-based polymers such as melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) or kitchenware
Impact on Furniture Industry
Melamine is widely used in combustion-modified foams for furniture fillings. Many foam suppliers have already informed customers about melamine-free grades since melamine was added to the Candidate List in 2023.
- Users will need to decide if alternative grades meet their market needs
- Currently, the UK has not announced whether it will adopt a similar approach. Suppliers selling only in the UK may not need to act, but those supplying to Europe or Northern Ireland should consider switching to melamine-free foam
Industry Consultation
During the 2024 consultation, ECHA received feedback from multiple sectors. Ofelia Bercaru, Director for Prioritisation and Integration, stated:
“When assessing the consequences of including a substance in the Authorisation List, it is important to consider the scope of the legal requirement. In most of its applications, melamine appears to be used as an intermediate, which does not require authorisation under REACH.
“However, applications for authorisation for the remaining uses may potentially create a significant workload for companies and authorities. ECHA is aware of the challenges and considered that balancing the risks posed by melamine with its continued use, requires a policy decision by the Commission and EU Member States.”
Further Support
If you need further support on REACH, our service provider, FIRA International, hosts a series of training modules, with preferential delegate rates for members of the Research Association.
For more details on the proposed melamine authorisation, contact: John Hubbard – John.Hubbard@fira.co.uk
