SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 118.25, reporting on a decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) that upholds the annulment of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in powder form containing 1% or more of particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 micrometers as a category 2 carcinogenic substance by inhalation.

TiO₂ is commonly found in many consumer goods, including food additives, food contact materials, sunscreen, coatings, adhesives, floor coverings, paints, paper, plastics, rubber, printing inks, roofing materials and toys. An amendment to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 on the Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation) was published in 2020 by the EU, classifying TiO₂ in the specified forms as a carcinogenic substance.

This ruling was challenged in the EU General Court and subsequently annulled. On August 1, 2025, the CJEU upheld the annulment, dismissing appeals from the European Commission and France, noting that a manifest error had been made in assessing the reliability and acceptability of the study underpinning the classification, which led to the incorrect application of the classification criteria.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 118.25 includes further details of the legal proceedings leading to the annulment and its dismissal. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 118.25 for more details.

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SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s chemical testing services: www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing.

SGS SafeGuardS
SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Court Upholds Annulment of Carcinogenic Classification for Titanium Dioxide SafeGuardS here: www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/08/safeguards-11825-eu-court-upholds-annulment-of-carcinogenic-classification-for-titanium-dioxide.

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For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
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