September 12, 2026: The Global Antioxidants and Light Stabilizers Alliance (GALA) has established a UV Absorbers (UVA) Task Force to support science-based regulatory engagement on increasing global regulatory scrutiny of UV absorbers used in polymers.

GALA members have identified a range of UV absorber substances of interest, covering benzotriazoles, benzophenones, benzoates, triazines and other UVA chemistries. These substances perform important functions in plastics, coatings, adhesives, rubber and other polymer applications by protecting materials from degradation caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Regulatory attention is increasingly focused on potential concerns under assessment, including persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity (PBT/vPvB), endocrine disruption, persistent organic pollutant (POP) controls, migration, non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), recycling and potential substitution.

The Task Force will provide a coordinated platform for GALA members to:

  • Review the global regulatory status and emerging challenges for UV absorbers
  • Evaluate regulatory grouping and substance-specific assessments
  • Review available hazard, use, migration, NIAS and exposure information
  • Engage with regulatory authorities and relevant industry stakeholders
  • Examine EU activities, including the Assessment of Regulatory Needs and Community Rolling Action Plan (corap)
  • Develop risk assessments and identify important data gaps
  • Develop a shared, science-based technical position for engagement with regulators

The Task Force will also consider whether an industry-led risk management option analysis for relevant UV absorber groups would be appropriate. Such an assessment could examine potential regulatory options together with risk reduction, proportionality, socio-economic considerations and the availability of alternatives.

Through this initiative, GALA aims to encourage early, science-based engagement with regulators and provide accurate information about the uses, benefits, exposure and lifecycle of UV absorbers in polymers. A coordinated approach will also help members avoid duplication of technical work, anticipate regulatory developments and make informed decisions about future data generation where needed.

The UVA Task Force forms part of GALA’s broader commitment to supporting the safe and sustainable use of antioxidants and light stabilizers through science-based regulatory engagement.

“GALA’s newly established UV Absorber Task Force provides a focused, science-based platform to track and respond to EU and other regulatory developments. By working closely with customers and engaging constructively with policymakers, we can share expertise, reduce uncertainty, and help shape rules that protect health and the environment while preserving access to essential UV Absorbers and supporting continued innovation”

Henry Luo, Director of Application Technology at Rianlon Corporation

About GALA

The Global Antioxidant and Light Stabilizers Alliance (GALA) is an industry consortium of leading producers of antioxidants and light stabilizers used in polymer applications. GALA’s mission is to advance the safe and sustainable use of antioxidants and light stabilizers in polymer and coatings applications. Gala’s mission is to advance the safe and sustainable use of antioxidants and light stabilizers through science-based research, product stewardship and constructive regulatory engagement. By pooling scientific expertise and collaborating with regulators, customers, research organizations and the wider value chain, GALA works to ensure that antioxidants and light stabilizers continue to support polymer performance while meeting evolving safety and environmental expectations. For more information, visit www.gala-alliance.org.

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding planned Task Force activities. Such activities are subject to change, and nothing in this release constitutes regulatory, legal or product-safety advice.

Media contact

GALA Secretariat: contact@gala-alliance.org