The PetCo Working Group was established in 2015 to develop an approach to identify and address PetCo substances and plan how to practically implement this approach as required by the SVHC Roadmap to 2020.

The roadmap gives priority to substances with SVHC properties and petroleum and coal stream (PetCo) UVCB substances fall under its scope.

The roadmap recognises that, due to their complex nature, there is first a need to develop an approach on how to assess these substances. The systematic assessment is then expected to start later. The roadmap also highlights that work on regulatory risk management (RRM) for petroleum stream substances needs to start.

ECHA hosts and coordinates the working group.

The PetCo Working Group is a platform for exchanges between authorities and industry to ensure that the work on PetCo substances moves forward using the developed approach as a basis. It will also ensure that progress is made in improving the registration dossiers and further regulating petroleum and coal stream substances where necessary.

• Applies the PetCo approach to all petroleum and coal stream substances and identifies substances for which further regulatory action is needed, whether it is data generation or regulatory risk management.
• Follows up planned activities related to specific substances and specific concerns.
• Discusses and shares experiences among Member State competent authorities, the European Commission and ECHA on identifying, assessing and managing PetCo substances.
• Enhances cooperation and shares the work on (groups of) substances to avoid duplication of work.
• Interacts with other relevant groups (e.g. RIME, PBT expert group) where needed to ensure the best use of expertise, avoid duplication of work and gather experience from other Member States.

• Improving registration dossiers (e.g. uses, substance identification) to enable substances to be efficiently identified for further work.
• Generating the necessary hazard data, whether directly (e.g. testing proposal) or through compliance check or substance evaluation.

• EU Member State competent authorities (BE, DE, DK, ES, FR, LT, NL, PL, SE).
• European Commission (DG GROW).
• Stakeholder organisations:
  • The oil companies' European organisation for environment, health and safety in refining and distribution (CONCAWE).
  • Hydrocarbons Solvents REACH consortium (HCSC)
  • CEFIC Coal Chemicals Sector Group (CCSG).
  • AECM (Association European Candle Makers).
  • Lower Olefins and Aromatics (LOA).
  • Higher Olefins and Poly Alpha Olefins (HOPA).