The use of high-PAH extender oils in tires manufactured for sale within the European Union has been prohibited under the Reach regulation since Jan. 1, 2010.

This restriction was heeded by firms producing within the EU and appropriate modifications to the manufacturing process made before the deadline, and the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) reports the confirmation of these producers’ compliance by independent testing.

However, ETRMA notes “strong industry concern” exists as to whether all tires imported into the European Union are being tested for compliance. For this reason, ETRMA itself took on the task of testing 45 brands of tire – 110 tires in total – that are currently offered for sale within the European Union. The results confirmed that the association’s apprehension was not unfounded.

In independent testing conducted by ETRMA, all tires produced by factories located within EU Member States were found to be compliant, ETRMA reports. The imported tires produced in six of the seven countries outside of the European Union were also Reach compliant; only tires produced in China failed to comply. In noting this, the ETRMA points out a word of warning to wholesalers: “It is important to remember one of the key principles under Reach concerning imports: it is ultimately the importer who is responsible for compliance with the Reach rules.”

The non-compliant tires were sold in Europe under the Westlake, Zeetex, Hero, Kumho, Infinity, Linglong, Fullrun, Gremax and Federal brands. Of the 12 non-compliant tires – 11% of the test group – 10 were passenger car fitments, one light commercial vehicle and one a truck tire. The ETRMA is quick to point out that many Chinese products complied with the ban. “This means that the Chinese industry is able to cope with the regulation,” the association states. “It is a pity to see that some importers decided to import non-compliant products into Europe.”

Specifically, ETRMA tested for compliance with the marketing ban under the European Union’s Reach Regulation 1907/2006/EC, Annex XVII, entry 50, which prohibits the presence in tires of extender oils containing high level of dangerous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (high-PAHs extender oils). This marketing ban was first enacted into EU law in 2005 by Directive 2005/69 and was subsequently integrated into Annex XVII2 of the EU’s REACH Regulation 1907/2006, in June 2009. The marketing ban applying to all tires sold in the EU (whether locally manufactured or imported) came into force on Jan.1, 2010.

Tires included in the sample group for ETRMA’s first-phase testing campaign were purchased from major retail outlets in several major EU states where a wide selection of tires is normally available. The tires were produced in nine European countries and seven countries outside of the EU. All tires were produced after Jan. 1, 2010, and hence subject to the marketing ban. Passenger car tires accounted for 65% of the 110-strong test group, with light commercial vehicle tires made up a further quarter. The remaining 10% was divided between motorcycle tires (5%), truck tires (4%) and industrial tires (1%). In total, 184 tests were conducted according to the official test method decided by the International Standards Organization, ISO 214614.

“While 11% is a cause for concern, it does take on staggering dimensions when one considers the fact that some 100 million tires are imported into the EU and placed on the market each year,” stated Francesco Gori, president of ETRMA and CEO of Pirelli Tire. “This may very well just be the tip of the iceberg.

“In light of the findings of its first test program, ETRMA calls on the EU and national authorities to intensify and broaden their own testing and enforcement activities,” Gori continued. “Certain national authorities, for example in the United Kingdom, have already announced projects in the context of Reach enforcement, to ensure that the marketing ban on high-PAH oils in tires is secured in conformity with the EU law. It is important to note that each Member State has its own penalty policy to ensure compliance with the EU ban.”  (Tyres & Accessories)