United Kingdom publishes Technical Report on the Classification and Labelling of Talc 
Ingredient: TALC

Date of publication: January 2026

The United Kingdom (UK) Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a technical report concluding that Talc does not warrant carcinogenicity classification, diverging from ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) opinion supporting Category 1B classification.

What’s new?

On January 2026, the United Kingdom (UK) Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released a technical assessment on the hazard classification of Talc that does not contain asbestos or asbestiform fibers. The report evaluates available epidemiological, animal, and mechanistic evidence regarding potential carcinogenicity. 

The HSE concludes that no classification for carcinogenicity is warranted. This contrasts with European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) opinion, which supports Carcinogenicity 1B classification for Talc. 

The agencies interpreted the same evidence, with ECHA viewing the data as sufficient for Category 1B while HSE concluded it does not support any carcinogenicity classification. 

What now?

  • Monitor the European Commission for final decision on RAC opinion adoption in the EU.
  • Review cosmetic products with Talc and assess implications of potential Category 1B classification in the EU versus no classification in the UK.

References:

UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Technical Report on Talc (not containing asbestos or asbestiform fibres), January 2026.

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