The use of benzene as constituent of other substances is severely restricted by Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) in the subcategory “industrial chemical for public use”.
In accordance with entry 5 of Annex XVII to 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 Chemicals (REACH),
(OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1-849), the following applies to benzene:
1. Shall not be used in toys or parts of toys where the concentration of benzene in the free state is greater than 5 mg/kg (0,0005 %) of the weight of the toy or part of toy.
2. Toys and parts of toys not complying with paragraph 1 shall not be placed on the market.
3. Shall not be placed on the market, or used,
- as a substance,
- as a constituent of other substances, or in mixtures, in concentrations equal to, or greater than 0,1 % by weight.
4. However, paragraph 3 shall not apply to:
(a) motor fuels which are covered by Directive 98/70/EC;
(b) substances and mixtures for use in industrial processes not allowing for the emission of benzene in quantities in excess of those laid down in existing legislation;
(c) natural gas placed on the market for use by consumers, provided that the concentration of benzene remains below 0,1 % volume/volume.
Submitted Data for Benzene as a constituent of other substances in concentrations equal to, or greater than 0,1 % by weight