Hydrocarbon Solvents Naming Convention

REACH requires a clear and logical substance description. In order to facilitate appropriate registration of hydrocarbon solvents, the Hydrocarbon Solvents Producers Association (HSPA) has conducted an in-depth assessment of hydrocarbon solvents to better characterize them, clearly distinguish them from the feedstock and adopt a consistent substance identification system.

As an outcome of this exercise, a common naming system has been developed to identify properly similar substances and all UVCBs (Unknown, Variable composition, Complex reaction products or Biological materials) are registered under REACH using new EC numbers.

This approach has also gained recognition from the OECD and is implemented within the framework of UK REACH. However, transposing the naming convention to jurisdictions beyond EU and UK REACH remains challenging.