Copper

Registration and classification of Copper

Substance identity details and classification and labelling information can be found below:

Metal with copper content ≥ 99.90 %, e.g. in the form of cathodes, fire-refined ingots and unwrought shapes (billets, slabs and cakes, etc).  Other materials, also referred to in the market as copper, with elemental copper contents > 80% and < 99.90% are covered in “Anode” (Intermediate B1).

The initial Joint Registration dossier was successfully submitted to ECHA in September 2010 and the latest joint dossier update was submitted in July 2022. An information note summarising the main changes included in the last update can be found here. This update is not requiring co-registrants to update their copper registration dossier. Please contact the secretariat at reach@copperalliance.org to obtain access to the latest version of the Chemical Safety Report.

The classification of copper, as described in the Copper Registration Dossier, is as follows.

1. Copper massive (specific surface area equal or below 0.67 mm²/mg, equivalent to particles with diameter equal or above 1 mm; and ≥ 99.90 % purity):
   No classification and no labelling for Human Health or the Environment
2. Copper powder (specific surface area above 0.67 mm²/mg, which is equivalent to particles with diameter below 1 mm; and ca. 99.7% copper (w/w):
   

   Hazard class and category code(s)	Hazard statement
   Aquatic Acute 1	H400 Very toxic to aquatic life M-factor = 1
   Aquatic Chronic 2	H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Guidance on how Downstream Users can use the REACH Exposure Scenarios to ensure safe use in their own operations can be accessed here.

Occupational scaling: The occupational calculator for DUs can be freely downloaded here. In the simple and easy-to-use DU-interface, measured inhalation and/or dermal values can be entered. An internal Cu concentration is then calculated and risk conclusion is given.

ECI continues to offer Letters of Access to registrants.

Click here to download the terms and conditions and application form (Word version here), including the Letter of Access fees.

Earlier communications can be requested at ECI :

• Communication to Consortium members regarding revised submission – January 2017
• Communication to Consortium members and Letter of Access customers regarding revised submission, on January 28th 2013, with updates to IUCLID and effects sections – January 2013
• SIEF Progress and Status for Copper – March 2010
• ECI Communication on Identified Uses – December 2009
• ECI Communication on Copper Value Chain – December 2009
• ECI Communication to SIEF – October 2009.
• Lead Registrant Communication to ECHA – June 2009
• ECI Communication to SIEF – January 2009

In case of questions, please contact REACH@copperalliance.org.