Substance Information
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Key Regulatory data, the new Classification & Labelling (C&L) Inventory, and REACH Registration data can now be found in ECHA CHEM. For the time being regulatory data here are still updated daily. The old C&L Inventory was last updated on 30 September 2025. REACH Registration and C&L Inventory data will be removed from here by 18 December 2025. Due to a technical upgrade and the coming holidays, data on ECHA CHEM will remain frozen between 5 December 2025 and 10 January 2026.

Substance Information
Substance Infocard
Hydroquinone
EC / List no.: 204-617-8
CAS no.:123-31-9
Mol. Formula: C6H6O2
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HELPRegulatory context
Here you can find all of the regulations and regulatory lists in which this substance appears, according to the data available to ECHA. This substance has been found in the following regulatory activities (directly, or inheriting the regulatory context of a parent substance):
- ECHA Legislations
- Occupational Exposure limits (OELs)
- Emission Limit Values (ELVs)
- Other chemical legislations
- PACT - Public activities Co-ordination ToolPublic (risk management) activities co-ordination tableTool showing an overview of substances in various key regulatory processes that authorities are working on.
- Substances indicated, in 2009, as being intended to be registered by at least one company in the EEA.
- Substances which have been registered and can be placed on the EEA market by those companies with a valid registration.
- Details of substance evaluation by member state competent authorities.
- Harmonized C&LCLP Regulation Annex VISubstances for which an agreed set of classification and labelling data has been agreed at EU level by Member States.
- Substances for which classification and labeling data have been submitted to ECHA in a registration under REACH or notified by manufacturers or importers under CLP. Such notifications are required for hazardous substances, as such or in mixtures, as well as for all substances subject to registration, regardless of their hazard.
- Proposals for new, or updates to existing harmonised classification and labelling of substances.
- Seveso Annex ISeveso III Directive Annex ISubstances for which industrial accident prevention and reporting requirements have been established.
- Substances listed in the EINECS, ELINCS, or NLP inventories.
- Active Implantable Medical Devices Directive - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of Directive 90/385/EEC on Active Implantable Medical Devices, 20 July 1990, amended by Directive 2007/47/EC, 21 September 2007
This list contains hazardous substances for purposes of Directive 90/385/EEC on active implantable medical devices, particularly as regards Article 3 and Annex I (Essential Requirements). This non-exhaustive database is derived from: Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP, REACH Candidate List of SVHCs, and Directive 2000/54/EC's Annex III (Biological Agents list). Please note that Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices has repealed Directive 90/385/EEC and begun to apply from 26 May 2021. Nevertheless, Article 120 of the Regulation provides for a transitional period allowing medical devices, under specified conditions (e.g., placed on the market prior to 26 May 2021), to continue to comply with the Directive. In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 120, this period ends 26 May 2025.
- CAD - Chemical Agents Directive, Article 2(b)(i) - Hazardous AgentsEU. Hazardous Substances - Article 2(b)(i), Directive 98/24/EC on Protection of Workers from Chemical Agent-related Risks, 5 May 1998 (Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP, as amended)
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory based on the list of substances with harmonised classification and labelling (i.e., Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation 1272/2008/EC). While the harmonised list covers many hazardous substances, others not listed may also meet the classification criteria in accordance with the CLP Regulation.
- Construction Product Regulation - Annex I (3) - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of Annex I (3) (Requirements for Construction Works), Regulation 305/2011/EU on Marketing of Construction Products, amended by Regulation 574/2014/EU, 28 May 2014
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of substances taken from: (1) Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP; (2) the Candidate List of SVHCs; (3) Annex XIV of REACH (Authorisation List); (4) Annex XVII of REACH (Restrictions List); (5) F-gases subject to emission limits/reporting per Regulation 517/2014/EU; and (6) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) listed in the Ambient Air Directive 2008/50/EC. The basis of the list is Annex I(3) of the Construction Products Regulation 305/2011/EC, which stipulates that construction works must not have a high impact on human health or the environment as a result of: giving off toxic gas; emissions of dangerous substances, volatile organic compounds (VOC), greenhouse gases or dangerous particles into indoor or outdoor air; release of dangerous substances into drinking water, ground water, marine waters, surface waters or soil.
- Construction Product Regulation - Article 6(5) - SDS and DeclarationEU. Hazardous Substances Subject to Declaration (Article 6(5)), Regulation 305/2011/EU on Marketing of Construction Products, amended by Regulation 574/2014/EU, 28 May 2014
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of substances originating from: (1) Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP (i.e., the list of harmonised substances); (2) the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs); and REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List). This list is compiled on the basis of Article 6(5) of Regulation 305/2011/EC on Marketing of Construction Products. This provision requires SDSs and information on hazardous substances (i.e., SVHCs) contained in construction products be provided with the declaration of performance.
- Cosmetic Products Regulation, Annex II - Prohibited SubstancesEU. Prohibited Substances: Annex II, Regulation 1223/2009/EC on Cosmetic Products, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/877, OJ L of 13 May 2025
- Cosmetic Products Regulation, Annex III - Restricted SubstancesEU. Restricted Substances: Annex III, Regulation 1223/2009/EC on Cosmetic Products, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/877, OJ L of 13 May 2025
- Ecolabel - Restrictions for Hazardous Substances/MixturesEU. Hazardous Substances which may Preclude Goods from the Ecolabel Award as per Article 6(6) of Regulation 66/2010/EC, L 27/1, 30 January 2010
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of substances based on the list of hazardous substances with harmonised classification and labelling (i.e. Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation), and the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs). Pursuant to Article 6(6) of the EU Ecolabel Regulation, the ecolabel must not be awarded to goods containing substances or mixtures classified according to the CLP as toxic; hazardous to the environment; and carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMRs). Nor are products allowed the ecolabel award when they contain SVHCs (per Article 57 of REACH). While the CLP's harmonised list contains many such substances, other ones not listed in Table 3 may also meet the criteria specified for classification under the CLP.
- End-of-Life Vehicles Directive - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances per Article 2(11) of End-of-Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/EC, 21 October 2000, amended by Directive 2020/363/EU, 5 March 2020 (based on Table 3/Annex VI of CLP)
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of hazardous substances as defined by Article 2(11) of the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/EC. It is based on the relevant subset of substances with harmonised classification listed in Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation 1272/2008/EC.
- Active and Intelligent Materials - CMR Substances not allowed for useEU. Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reproductive substances Not Allowed for Use in Components of Active and Intelligent Materials and Articles (Article 5(2)(c)(i)), Regulation 450/2009/EC, 30 May 2009
This list contains a non-exhaustive list of Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reproductive substances (CMRs) that are not allowed for use in components of active and intelligent materials and articles per Art. 5(2)(c)(i) of Regulation 450/2009/EC. The list is derived from a subset of substances on Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation (1272/2008/EC).
- FCMs Recycled Plastic & Articles Regulation - Annex I - Authorised UseEU. Plastic Food Contact Materials (FCMs) per Regulation 10/2011/EU (Union List), Directive 282/2008/EC on Recycled Plastic FCMs, 28 March 2008, amended by Regulation 2015/1906/EU, 23 October 2015
This list contains the Annex I Plastic Food Contact Materials (FCMs) authorised for use in the European Union under Regulation 10/2011/EU. Pursuant to Art. 4(b) of Directive 282/2008/EC on recycled plastic FCMs, plastic recycling processes can only be authorised if input originates from plastic materials and articles manufactured in accordance with EU legislation on plastic food contact materials and articles.
- General Product Safety Directive - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC), 15 January 2002, amended by Reg 596/2009/EC, 18 July 2009
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of substances that fall within the European Union's hazardous substance definitions, as provided on: (1) Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation 1272/2008/EC; (2) Annex III of Directive 2000/54/EC (Biological Agents); Candidate List of SVHCs; and REACH Annexes XIV and XVII (Authorisation and Restriction lists). They can be considered hazardous for purposes of the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC.
- General Product Safety Regulation – Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous substances for risk assessment of products, General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, OJ L of 23 May 2023
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of substances that fall within the European Union's hazardous substance definitions, as provided in: 1/ Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation 1272/2008/EC; 2/ Annex III of Directive 2000/54/EC (Biological Agents); 3/ REACH Candidate List of SVHCs; 4/ REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List); and 5/ REACH Annex XVII (Restriction list). They can be considered hazardous for the purposes of the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988.
- In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Directive - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of Article 3 & Annex I (Essential Requirements), Directive 98/79/EC on In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices, 7 December 1998
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of hazardous substances for purposes of essential requirements (Article 3 and Annex I) for general safety, design, manufacture and hazard communication of in vitro diagnostic medical devices. It is derived from: Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP, REACH Candidate List of SVHCs, and Directive 2000/54/EC's Annex III (Biological Agents list). Note that Regulation 2017/746/EU on in vitro diagnostic medical devices was published in the EU Official Journal on 5 May 2017. With few exceptions specified in Articles 112 and 113 of this Regulation, Directive 98/79/EC is repealed, and the rules pursuant to 2017/746/EU apply, from 26 May 2022.
- In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of Art. 5(2) and Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices, 5 May 2017, as corrected 27 December 2019
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of hazardous substances for purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/746, including Chap. 2 (Placing on the market and putting into service) and Annex I (General Safety and Performance Requirements). It is derived from: Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP, REACH Candidate List of SVHCs, and Directive 2000/54/EC's Annex III (Biological Agents list).
- Marine Environmental Policy Framework Directive - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of Directive 2008/56/EC (Marine Strategy Framework Directive), 25 June 2008, amended by Directive 2017/845/EU, 18 May 2017
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of hazardous substances for purposes of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, especially as it concerns Art. 3(8), and Annexes I and III. The listed substances meet the European Union's definitions as hazardous, as provided on: (1) Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation (1272/2008/EC); (2) Annex III of Directive 2000/54/EC (Biological Agents); Candidate List of SVHCs; and REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List).
- Medical Devices Directive - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC, 12 July 1993, amended by Directive 2007/47/EC, 21 September 2007
This list contains hazardous substances in accordance with the Medical Devices Directive's (MDD) design and construction requirements pursuant to Annex I, Part II (7) & (8) (i.e., chemical, physical and biological properties; and infection and microbial contamination). Specifically, the non-exhaustive database is derived from: Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP, REACH Candidate List of SVHCs, and Directive 2000/54/EC's Annex III (Biological Agents list). Please note that Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices has repealed Directive 93/42/EEC and begun to apply from 26 May 2021. Nevertheless, Article 120 of the Regulation provides for a transitional period allowing medical devices, under specified conditions (e.g., placed on the market prior to 26 May 2021), to continue to comply with the Directive. In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 120, this period ends 26 May 2025.
- Medical Devices Regulation - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745/EU, 5 May 2017, as amended by Regulation 2020/561/EU, 24 April 2020
This list contains hazardous substances for purposes of the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), based on the legislation's Annex I general safety and performance requirements, including for chemical, physical and biological properties. Specifically, the non-exhaustive database is derived from: Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP, REACH Candidate List of SVHCs, and Directive 2000/54/EC's Annex III (Biological Agents list).
- FCM and Articles Regulation, Annex I - Authorised SubstancesEU. Union List of Authorized Substances: Annex I, Plastics Food Contact Regulation 10/2011/EU, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, OJ L of 31 December 2024
This list contains the Union list of authorised monomers, other starting substances, macromolecules obtained from microbial fermentation, additives and polymer production aids. It is taken from Annex I of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
- Protection of Pregnant and Breastfeeding Workers Directive, Annex I+IIEU. Chemical Agents: Annexes I & II, Directive 92/85/EEC on Pregnant Workers, 28 November 1992 (updated by table 3 of Annex VI to CLP, 5 October 2018)
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of substances to which pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding may not be exposed. Employers are obligated to prevent the exposure of these workers to any agents that may have adverse health effects on either mother or child. The inventory originates from Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP.
- Physical, Biological and Chemical Agents & Processes and WorkEU. Non-Exhaustive List of Banned Substances, Directive 94/33/EC on Young People at Work, 20 August 1994, as amended by Dir 2014/27/EU, March 5, 2014 (Based on Table 3 of Annex VI to CLP, inter alia)
This list contains biological and chemical agents, in accordance with Art. 7 and points 2 and 3 of the Annex to Directive 94/33/EC, to which young persons (under 18 years of age) may not be exposed at the workplace. The list is a non-exhaustive inventory of such substances based on: 1) agents of risk groups 3 and 4 under Directive 2000/54/EC; 2) Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation; 3) and Annex I of Directive 2004/37/EC.
- Recycled Plastic FCMs - Regulation (EU) 2022/1616EU. Recycled Plastic FCMs per Regulation 10/2011/EU (Union List), Regulation (EU) 2022/1616, OJ L 243 of 20 September 2022, as corrected by a corrigendum, OJ L 244 of 21 September 2022
The list contains the Union list of authorised substances for the purposes of compositional requirements related to recycled plastic FCMs. The list is taken from Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Recycled plastic FCMs shall comply with the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. In addition, plastic waste inputs shall originate only from plastic materials and articles manufactured in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.
- Safety and Health of Workers at Work Directive - Hazardous SubstancesEU. Hazardous Substances for Purposes of Directive 89/391/EEC, 29 June 1989, amended by Regulation 1137/2008/EC, 21 November 2008 (Table 3/Annex VI, CLP; Annex III, 2000/54/EC)
This list contains a non-exhaustive inventory of substances that fall within the scope of the European Union's definition of hazardous chemical and biological substances, as provided on: (1) Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation 1272/2008/EC; and (2) Annex III of Directive 2000/54/EC (Biological Agents). The EU's Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Framework Directive 89/391/EEC applies to risks arising from chemical, physical and biological agents at the workplace.
- Workplace Signs - minimum requirements & signs on containers and pipesEU. Workplace Signage: Annexes I and III, Directive 92/58/EEC, last amended by Directive 2014/27/EU, 5 March 2014
This list contains hazardous substances based on Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation 1272/2008/EC. According to the annexes to Directive 92/58/EEC, storage areas and containers containing chemical substances or mixtures that are classified as hazardous according to the CLP Regulation must be duly marked and/or labeled. Directive 92/58/EEC requires employers to ensure proper signage is posted in areas where hazards cannot be avoided or reduced.
- Waste Framework Directive, Annex III - Waste - Hazardous PropertiesEU. Substances according to Hazardous Waste Properties: Annex III, Directive 2008/98/EC, 22 November 2008, amended by Directive 2018/851/EU, 14 June 2018
This list contains substances that have been assigned hazard property (HP) waste codes 1-15, as defined in terms of the hazard class and category, hazard (H) statement, and/or concentration limits provided in Annex III of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. The classifications of the substances listed in the list are based on their harmonised classifications per Table 3 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation 1272/2008/EC.
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