Copper Cupro

Classification and Labelling Proposals for Cupro, Copper Processing

On behalf of the SIEF Facilitator for “Cupro, copper processing” the European Copper Institute is authorised to communicate this information to all participants in the SIEF for the EINECS number below.

ECI Ref Substance SIEF Facilitator
B15 Cupro, copper processing
(EC 919-583-6)
Metallo-Chimique NV

Cupro, copper processing is defined as:

Copper containing metallic substance obtained by reaction of silicon with a complex mixture of a copper, lead and tin containing alloy scrap.  At high temperature, and if enough silicon is available, a copper containing liquid phase (called “cupro”) can be isolated.  Cupro contains copper and residues of other ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their oxides.  Cupro is sensitive to air oxidation at room temperature, resulting in a gradual transformation of the metals into their oxides.  Cupro is further metallurgically processed to obtain “blister copper” and “anode copper” (> 80% copper)

The Joint Registration dossier was successfully submitted to ECHA on 7th September 2010.  Members of the ECI-managed Consortium, along with any purchasers of the appropriate Letter of Access, were provided with the necessary documents, plus the required REACH IT security token.

In April 2014, the joint dossier was extended to satisfy REACH Art 10 conditions, including the provision of a joint Chemical Safety Report (CSR).

The substance is used solely as Intermediate.

Depending on their own manufacturing and use profiles, individual members of this joint registration may have decided to register the substance in accordance with Strictly Controlled Conditions (SCC) requirements (REACH Art. 17/18), or as a full registration (REACH Art 10). Letter of Access purchasers are requested to contact ECI should they wish to upgrade their own registration from Art 17/18 to Art 10 and to secure the rights to use the joint CSR.

ECI’s REACH Classification, Labelling and Packaging proposals for Cupro, copper processing have been assessed in the REACH dossier in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 and the CLP Regulation (EC) 1272/2008.  The rationales for these proposals are contained in the Joint Submission dossier submitted to ECHA by the Lead Registrant.

The 2014 conclusions below reflect the latest Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP):

Cupro, copper processing 

Hazard Class and Category Code(s) Hazard Statement
Skin Sens. 1 H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
Repr. 1A H360DF: May damage the unborn child.  Suspect damaging fertility.
Carc. 2 H351: Suspected of causing cancer
STOT Rep. Exp. 1 H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure via inhalation: (Affected organs: lungs).
Aquatic Acute 1 H400: Very toxic to aquatic life.
Aquatic Chronic 2 H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

ECI will continue to offer Letters of Access to registrants. Please contact the Secretariat at reach@copperalliance.org for the terms and conditions, as well as the application form.

Earlier communications made to this SIEF can be requested at ECI at reach@copperalliance.org:

  • ECI Communication to SIEF – September 2010
  • ECI Communication to SIEF – March 2010
  • ECI Communication to SIEF – October 2009
  • ECI Communication to SIEF – March 2009
  • Lead Registrant and ECI Communication to ECHA – June 2009