Substance Information
Substance Information
REACH Registration data can be found in the new ECHA CHEM database. The old ‘Registered substance factsheets’ will be available on this web site during the transition period but have not been updated since 19 May 2023. More
Substance Infocard
Citric acid
Substance identity
The ‘Substance identity’ section is calculated from substance identification information from all ECHA databases. The substance identifiers displayed in the InfoCard are the best available substance name, EC number, CAS number and/or the molecular and structural formulas.
Some substance identifiers may have been claimed confidential, or may not have been provided, and therefore not be displayed.
EC (European Community) Number
The EC Number is the numerical identifier for substances in the EC Inventory. The EC Inventory is a combination of three independent European lists of substances from the previous EU chemicals regulatory frameworks (EINECS, ELINCS and the NLP-list). More information about the EC Inventory can be found here.
If the substance was not covered by the EC Inventory, ECHA attributes a list number in the same format, starting with the numbers 6, 7, 8 or 9.
The EC or list number is the primary substance identifier used by ECHA.
CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number
The CAS number is the substance numerical identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service, a division of the American Chemical Society, to substances registered in the CAS registry database. A substance identified primarily by an EC or list number may be linked with more than one CAS number, or with CAS numbers that have been deleted. More information about CAS and the CAS registry can be found here.
Molecular formula
The molecular formula identifies each type of element by its chemical symbol and identifies the number of atoms of each element found in one discrete molecule of the substance. This information is only displayed if the substance is well–defined, its identity is not claimed confidential and there is sufficient information available in ECHA’s databases for ECHA’s algorithms to generate a molecular structure.
Molecular structure
The molecular structure is based on structures generated from information available in ECHA’s databases. If generated, an InChI string will also be generated and made available for searching. This information is only displayed if the substance is well-defined, its identity is not claimed confidential and there is sufficient information available in ECHA’s databases for ECHA’s algorithms to generate a molecular structure.
More help available here.
EC / List no.: 201-069-1
CAS no.: 77-92-9
Mol. formula: C6H8O7
Hazard classification and labelling
The ‘Hazard classification and labelling’ section shows the hazards of a substance based on the standardised system of statements and pictograms established under the CLP (Classification Labelling and Packaging) Regulation. The CLP Regulation makes sure that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to workers and consumers in the European Union. The CLP Regulation uses the UN Global Harmonised System (GHS) and European Union Specific Hazard Statements (EUH).
This section is based on three sources for information (harmonised classification and labelling (CLH), REACH registrations and CLP notifications). The source of the information is mentioned in the introductory sentence of the hazard statements. When information is available in all sources, the first two are displayed as a priority.
Please note:
The purpose of the information provided under this section is to highlight the substance hazardousness in a readable format. It does not represent a new labelling, classification or hazard statement, neither reflect other factors that affect the susceptibility of the effects described, such as duration of exposure or substance concentration (e.g. in case of consumer and professional uses). Other relevant information includes the following:
- Substances may have impurities and additives that lead to different classifications. If at least one company has indicated that the substance classification is affected by impurities or additives, this will be indicated by an informative sentence. However, substance notifications in the InfoCard are aggregated independently of the impurities and additives.
- Hazard statements were adapted to improve readability and may not correspond textually to the hazard statements codes description in the European Union Specific Hazard Statements (EUH) or the UN Global Harmonised System (GHS).
To see the full list of notified classifications and to get more information on impurities and additives relevant to classification please consult the C&L Inventory.
More information about Classification and Labelling is available in the Regulations section of ECHA website.
More help available here.
Harmonised classification and labelling (CLH)
Harmonised classification and labelling is a legally binding classification and labelling for a substance, agreed at European Community level. Harmonisation is based on the substance’s physical, toxicological and eco-toxicological hazard assessment.
The ‘Hazard classification’ and labelling section uses the signal word, pictogram(s) and hazard statements of the substance under the harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) as its primary source of information.
If the substance is covered by more than one CLH entry (e.g. disodium tetraborate EC no. 215–540–4, is covered by three harmonisations: 005–011–00–4; 005–011–01–1 and 005–011–02–9), CLH information cannot be displayed in the InfoCard as the difference between the CLH classifications requires manual interpretation or verification. If a substance is classified under multiple CLH entries, a link to the C&L Inventory is provided to allow users to view CLH information associated with the substance and no text is automatically generated for the InfoCard.
It is possible that a harmonisation is introduced through an amendment to the CLP Regulation. In that case, the ATP (Adaptation to Technical Progress) number is displayed.
More info on CLH can be found here.
Classification and labelling under REACH
If available, additional information on classification and labelling (C&L) is derived from REACH registration dossiers submitted by industry. This information has not been reviewed or verified by ECHA, and may change without prior notice. REACH registration dossiers have greater data requirements (such as supporting studies) than do notifications under CLP.
Notifications under the Classification Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation
If no EU harmonised classification and labelling exists and the substance was not registered under REACH, information derived from classification and labelling (C&L) notifications to ECHA under CLP Regulation is displayed under this section. These notifications can be provided by manufacturers, importers and downstream users. ECHA maintains the C&L Inventory, but does not review or verify the accuracy of the information.
Note that for readability purposes, only the pictograms, signal words and hazard statements referred in more than 5% of the notifications under CLP are displayed.
Warning! According to the harmonised classification and labelling (ATP17) approved by the European Union, this substance causes serious eye irritation and may cause respiratory irritation.
About this substance
This section provides an overview of the calculated volume at which the substance is manufactured or imported to the European Economic Area (EU28 + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). Additionally, if available, information on the use of the substance and how consumers and workers are likely to be exposed to it can also be displayed here.
The use information is displayed per substance life cycle stage (consumer use, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites or in manufacturing). The information is aggregated from the data coming from REACH substance registrations provided by industry.
For a detailed overview on identified uses and environmental releases, please consult the registered substance factsheet.
Use descriptors are adapted from ECHA guidance to improve readability and may not correspond textually to descriptor codes described in Chapter R.12: Use Descriptor system of ECHA Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment.
The examples provided are generic examples and may not apply to the specific substance you are viewing. A substance may have its use restricted to certain articles or products and therefore not all the examples may apply to the specific substance. Furthermore, some substances can be found in an article, but with unlikely exposure (e.g. inside a watch) or with very low concentrations considered not to pose risks to human health or the environment.
Please note:
For readability purpose, only non-confidential use descriptors occurring in more than 5% of total occurrences are displayed.
The described Product category (i.e. the products in which the substance may be used) may refer to uses as intermediate and under controlled conditions, for which there is no consumer exposure.
More help is available here.
This substance is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 100 000 tonnes per annum.
This substance is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Biocidal Uses
This substance is approved for use as a biocide in the EEA and/or Switzerland, for: disinfection.
This substance is approved in the EEA and/or Switzerland for use in biocidal products more favourable for the environment, human or animal health.
Consumer Uses
This substance is used in the following products:
washing & cleaning products,
cosmetics and personal care products,
coating products,
polishes and waxes,
air care products,
photo-chemicals,
fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay,
fertilisers and
water softeners.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from:
indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners),
outdoor use,
indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment),
outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)),
indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints) and
outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials).
Article service life
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use:
in the production of articles.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from:
indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners),
indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment),
outdoor use,
outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials),
outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)) and
indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints).
This substance can be found in products with material based on:
paper (e.g. tissues, feminine hygiene products, nappies, books, magazines, wallpaper),
stone, plaster, cement, glass or ceramic (e.g. dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction and isolation material),
wood (e.g. floors, furniture, toys),
fabrics, textiles and apparel (e.g. clothing, mattress, curtains or carpets, textile toys) and
leather (e.g. gloves, shoes, purses, furniture).
This substance is intended to be released from scented:
paper products.
Widespread uses by professional workers
This substance is used in the following products:
washing & cleaning products,
polishes and waxes,
coating products,
fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay,
fertilisers,
cosmetics and personal care products and
photo-chemicals.
This substance is used in the following areas:
building & construction work,
agriculture, forestry and fishing,
health services,
mining and
formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
This substance is used for the manufacture of:
furniture and
machinery and vehicles.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from:
indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners),
outdoor use and
indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Formulation or re-packing
This substance is used in the following products:
washing & cleaning products,
polishes and waxes,
fertilisers,
air care products,
cosmetics and personal care products,
photo-chemicals,
coating products,
adhesives and sealants and
fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use:
formulation of mixtures,
formulation in materials and
in processing aids at industrial sites.
Uses at industrial sites
This substance is used in the following products:
washing & cleaning products,
pH regulators and water treatment products,
polishes and waxes and
water treatment chemicals.
This substance is used in the following areas:
mining,
health services,
building & construction work and
formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
This substance is used for the manufacture of:
chemicals,
machinery and vehicles,
textile, leather or fur,
electrical, electronic and optical equipment,
fabricated metal products and
metals.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use:
in processing aids at industrial sites,
in the production of articles,
of substances in closed systems with minimal release and
as processing aid.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from:
indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and
outdoor use.
Manufacture
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use:
manufacturing of the substance,
formulation of mixtures,
formulation in materials and
in processing aids at industrial sites.
How to use it safely
This section provides links to the list of precautions (precautionary statements) and to the guidance on safe use, if they have been provided in REACH registration dossiers.
- Precautionary statements - describe recommended measures to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product or improper storage or handling of a hazardous product.
- Guidance on safe use - recommendations by substance registrant on the proper use of the substance in various situations. Examples include recommended measures on fire-fighting, transport and recycling and disposal.
Please note: Precautionary measures and guidance on safe use concern the use and handling of the specific substance as such, not of the presence of the substance in other articles or mixtures. The precautionary measures and guidance on safe use are as submitted to ECHA by registrants under the REACH Regulation. Information on precautionary measures and the safe use is submitted by the registrant of a substance and the registrant is solely responsible for its accuracy and completeness.
More help available here.
- Precautionary measures suggested by manufacturers and importers of this substance.
- Guidance on the safe use of the substance provided by manufacturers and importers of this substance.
The InfoCard summarises the non-confidential data of a substance held in the databases of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). InfoCards are generated automatically based on the data available at the time of generation.
The quality and correctness of the information submitted to ECHA remains the responsibility of the data submitter. The type of uses and classifications may vary between different submissions to ECHA and for a full understanding it is recommended to consult the source data. Information on applicable regulatory frameworks is also automatically generated and may not be complete or up to date. It is the responsibility of the substance manufacturers and importers to consult official publications, e.g. the electronic edition of the Official Journal of the European Union.
InfoCards are updated when new information is available. The date of the last update corresponds to the publication date of the InfoCard and not necessarily to the date in which the update occurred in the source data.
More help available here.
Here you can find all of the regulations and regulatory lists in which this substance appears, according to the data available to ECHA. This substance has been found in the following regulatory activities (directly, or inheriting the regulatory context of a parent substance):
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FCMs Recycled Plastic & Articles Regulation - Annex I - Authorised UseEU. Plastic Food Contact Materials (FCMs) per Regulation 10/2011/EU (Union List), Directive 282/2008/EC on Recycled Plastic FCMs, 28 March 2008, amended by Regulation 2015/1906/EU, 23 October 2015
This list contains the Annex I Plastic Food Contact Materials (FCMs) authorised for use in the European Union under Regulation 10/2011/EU. Pursuant to Art. 4(b) of Directive 282/2008/EC on recycled plastic FCMs, plastic recycling processes can only be authorised if input originates from plastic materials and articles manufactured in accordance with EU legislation on plastic food contact materials and articles.
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Food Contact Regenerated Cellulose Directive - Authorised SubstancesEU. Substances Authorised in Manufacture of Regenerated Cellulose Film for Use as FCM (Annex II), Directive 2007/42/EC, 30 June 2007
This list contains the substances and substance groups authorised by the EU in the manufacture of regenerated cellulose film intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. Representing Annex II of Directive 2007/42/EC, the list is divided into first and second parts, for uncoated and coated regenerated cellulose film, respectively. For some entries, the list includes functional classes, maximum and minimum limit values, and other restrictions.
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FCM and Articles Regulation, Annex I - Authorised SubstancesEU. Union List of Authorized Substances: Annex I, Plastics Food Contact Regulation 10/2011/EU, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2023/1627, OJ L 201, 11 August 2023
This list contains the Union list of authorised monomers, other starting substances, macromolecules obtained from microbial fermentation, additives and polymer production aids. It is taken from Annex I of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
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Recycled Plastic FCMs - Regulation (EU) 2022/1616EU. Recycled Plastic FCMs per Regulation 10/2011/EU (Union List), Regulation (EU) 2022/1616, OJ L 243 of 20 September 2022, as corrected by a corrigendum, OJ L 244 of 21 September 2022
The list contains the Union list of authorised substances for the purposes of compositional requirements related to recycled plastic FCMs. The list is taken from Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Recycled plastic FCMs shall comply with the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. In addition, plastic waste inputs shall originate only from plastic materials and articles manufactured in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.