,On 20 April 2026, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation on the harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) proposal for maleic acid ((2Z)-but-2-enedioic acid). The substance is identified with EC Number 203-742-5 and CAS Number 110-16-7, with Austria acting as the dossier submitter. Under the current entry in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation, maleic acid is classified as Acute Toxicity Category 4 (H302), Skin Irritation Category 2 (H315), Eye Irritation Category 2 (H319), Skin Sensitisation Category 1 (H317), and STOT SE Category 3 (H335), with a specific concentration limit for skin sensitisation at >=0.1%. The proposed revised classification introduces stricter hazard categories, including Acute Toxicity Category 4 (H302), Skin Corrosion Category 1B (H314), Serious Eye Damage Category 1 (H318), Skin Sensitisation Category 1 (H317), and STOT SE Category 3 (H335). An acute toxicity estimate (ATE) of 500 mg/kg body weight (oral) is also proposed, while maintaining the sensitisation threshold of >=0.1%. The consultation invites comments particularly on hazard classes such as acute oral toxicity, skin corrosion/irritation, and serious eye damage/eye irritation. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback during the consultation period, which runs until 22 June 2026, supporting the scientific evaluation process before adoption of a final opinion
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