Chinese manufacturers receive mixed results in Reach compliance test
The use of ‘high-PAH’ extender oils in tyres manufactured for sale within the European Union has been prohibited under the Reach regulation since January 1, 2010. This restriction was heeded by firms producing within the EU and appropriate modifications to the manufacturing process made before the deadline, and the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) reports the confirmation of these producers’ compliance by independent testing. However the ETRMA notes “strong industry concern” exists as to whether all tyres imported into the European Union are being tested for compliance. For this reason the ETRMA itself took on the task of testing 45 brands of tyre – 110 tyres in total – that are currently offered for sale within the European Union. The results confirmed that the association’s apprehension was not unfounded.