Provision of a study on "Nanomaterials used as or integrated into flame retardants"

The European Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) aims to improve the transparency of information on the safety and markets of nanomaterials. Thus, after a stakeholder consultation, EUON identifies topics for studies to address important knowledge gaps and uncertainties on nanomaterials. The studies are contracted out and aim to collect and analyse information required to fill the identified knowledge gap. They are often conducted as systematic literature reviews, complemented by interviews and consultations with relevant experts. This study focuses on collecting and reviewing scientific information and data on the use of nanomaterials as or in flame retardants for consumer products. The purpose is to evaluate the state of knowledge and propose possible regulatory and non-regulatory actions and to mitigate possible risks. The use of conventional flame retardants carries with it human health and environmental concerns, which have opened the way to nanomaterials as potentially safer alternatives. To carefully monitor this potential change, key aspects such as the already existing applications of nanomaterials as flame retardants, their production quantities, and their efficacy compared to conventional (e.g. halogenated) flame retardants must be scrutinised. For the nanomaterials already in use in flame retardants, an assessment is needed to check whether they meet the European Commission’s definition of nanomaterial, with the implication of being subjected to regulatory requirements foreseen under REACH for registration and chemical safety assessment of substances in nanoforms. Complementary to this, a detailed review of scientific studies assessing the possible hazard properties, consumers and workers exposure and the corresponding mitigation measures is necessary to assess their safety and sustainability compared to conventional (non-nanomaterial) flame retardants. Furthermore, specific information on the impact of nanomaterials in the recyclability process of the consumer products is needed to foresee their implications on the circular economy. This study will provide specific insights into the possible hazards associated with the use of nanomaterials in flame retardants offering a foundation for informed regulatory and sustainability considerations. You are kindly informed that : • Participation in ECHA’s call for tenders is open on equal terms to all natural and legal persons registered and with legal personality in the Member States of the European Union as well as to international organizations. • It is also open to all natural and legal persons established in a third country which has a special agreement with the European Union in the field of public procurement on the conditions laid down in that agreement. This procedure is, however, not covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). • The rules on access to procurement do not apply to subcontractors. Subcontracting may not be used with the intent to circumvent the rules on access to procurement. • Tenderers must ensure that none of the involved entities are subject to EU restrictive measures adopted under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) or Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU). The prohibition applies throughout the whole performance of the contract. Please note that the EU Official Journal contains the official list of entities subject to restrictive measures and, in case of conflict, it prevails over the list of the EU Sanctions Map. Interested parties which do not fulfil the above-mentioned conditions may not be invited to participate to the following invitation to tender. Interested parties are reminded that the publication of an ex-ante publicity notice does not guarantee that ECHA will launch a call for tender on the subject it covers.