Geneva (April 16, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 053.25, reporting on the EU’s regulation of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in clay targets under new entry 50a to Annex XVII of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. The restrictions will apply from April 22, 2026.

Clay targets, also known as clay pigeons, are flying saucer-shaped targets used by sports shooters and small game hunters for practice. They are produced using binders such as coal tar pitch, high temperature (CTPHT), petroleum pitch and other types of resin.

The carcinogenic, persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic characteristics of CTPHT, and the PAH it contains, has led to its classification as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) on the Authorization List under Annex XIV of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (entry 41 to Annex XIV of REACH).

Decisions C(2022)1510 and C(2022)1512 of the European Commission rejected applications for authorization to use CTPHT as a binder for manufacturing clay targets. Although substances in finished articles do not need authorization to be sold in the EU, there are concerns over the release of PAH from imported clay targets containing CTPHT.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 053.25 includes helpful tables covering the 18 PAH chemicals listed in Regulation (EU) 2025/660, with details of their scope, the regulatory requirements, effective date and full classifications under the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS).

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 053.25 for more details.

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SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s consumer product services. [www.sgs.com/cp]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Regulates PAH in Clay Targets under REACH SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/04/safeguards-05325-eu-regulates-pah-in-clay-targets-under-reach]

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For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

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