The British Coatings Federation (BCF) issued a statement welcoming the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) decision to uphold its 2022 ruling that annulled the classification of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a category 2 carcinogen by inhalation. The ECJ dismissed appeals brought by the European Commission and France, marking a significant legal victory for the coatings and TiO₂ industries.

The original ruling came in response to a case brought by the Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers’ Association (TDMA), with BCF, CEPE and the American Coatings Association acting as interveners. The classification had been a source of industry concern since March 2015, when French authorities first proposed it.

“This is excellent news,” said Tom Bowtell, CEO of BCF. “The ECJ upholding its initial ruling will be of practical benefit to members in the coatings industry. We are delighted with the outcome and hope it brings the matter to an end.”

Bowtell also emphasized the broader implications of the ruling, noting that upholding the classification could have set a precedent affecting other substances.

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