Siloxanes D4, D5 and D6: REACH 2026 correction and what manufacturers and importers must do

Key data

If your company manufactures or imports cosmetics, lubricants, textiles or industrial materials containing cyclic siloxanes, this corrigendum directly affects you. The European Commission published on 22 July 2026 a technical correction to Regulation (EU) 2024/1328, which amended Annex XVII of Regulation REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 to restrict octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6). The technical corrections introduced may alter the applicable limits or conditions: ignoring them could leave your company non-compliant without knowing it.

What does this regulation establish?

REACH Regulation establishes in its Annex XVII the restrictions on chemical substances that can be marketed in the EU. Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 added specific restrictions for three cyclic siloxanes due to their potential for bioaccumulation and environmental toxicity. This corrigendum corrects technical errors detected in that original text.

The three affected substances and their common uses are:

REACH restrictions limit the maximum permitted concentration of these substances in products marketed in the EU. The corrigendum introduces technical corrections to the text of Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 that may affect the exact wording of those limits or conditions. It is essential to consult the corrected text to ensure that regulatory compliance is based on the final version and not on the original with errors.

Economic and operational impact

The impact is not only regulatory: it has direct consequences for the production and marketing chain. Affected companies must evaluate three fronts:

• Product reformulation: If any product exceeds the concentration limits for D4, D5 or D6, it must be reformulated before continuing to be marketed in the EU. This involves R&D costs, new testing and possible changes in raw material suppliers.
• Review of labeling and safety data sheets: The technical corrections in the corrigendum may affect the information that must appear on the labeling or in the safety data sheets (SDS) of the products.
• Risk of market withdrawal: Non-compliance with the limits established in Annex XVII of REACH may result in mandatory withdrawal of the product from the European market and the opening of enforcement proceedings by the competent authorities of each Member State.

Companies that have already adapted their processes to Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 must verify that the technical corrections introduced by this corrigendum do not invalidate the measures already adopted.

Who does it affect?

• Manufacturers of cosmetics and personal care products that use D4, D5 or D6 in their formulations (deodorants, creams, shampoos, conditioners, makeup).
• Importers of cosmetics from third countries containing these substances and marketed in the EU.
• Manufacturers and importers of textile products treated with cyclic siloxanes.
• Manufacturers of lubricants and industrial materials that incorporate D4, D5 or D6 in their composition.
• Distributors that market in the EU products from the above categories, as REACH compliance responsibility extends throughout the supply chain.
• Compliance and R&D departments of companies in the affected sectors.

Practical example

A Spanish deodorant manufacturer uses D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane) as a slip agent in its formulation. Following the publication of Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 in May 2024, it adapted its formula to comply with the limits in Annex XVII of REACH. However, the corrigendum published on 22 July 2026 corrects technical errors in that regulation. If the company does not review the corrected text, it may be applying an incorrect version of the limits. The result: its products may not comply with current regulations, exposing it to an inspection by the Spanish Agency for Consumer Affairs, Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN) or the competent body, with the consequent risk of market withdrawal and administrative sanction.

What should companies do now?

1. Download and read the corrected text of the corrigendum published on 22 July 2026 in the Official Journal of the EU to identify exactly what technical corrections have been introduced compared to Regulation (EU) 2024/1328.
2. Compare the corrected text with the original (Regulation (EU) 2024/1328, published on 17 May 2024) to detect if the concentration limits or conditions of use for D4, D5 and D6 have changed.
3. Audit the inventory of products containing D4, D5 or D6 and verify that their concentration complies with the limits in Annex XVII of REACH in its corrected version.
4. Update safety data sheets and labeling if the technical corrections affect the information that must appear in them.
5. Inform suppliers and customers in the supply chain about the corrections introduced, especially if you supply or receive raw materials or semi-finished products with these substances.
6. Document all actions taken to demonstrate due diligence in the event of an inspection by the competent authorities.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202690615