Fuel ethers (MTBE, ETBE and TAME) were registered in REACH in 2010. The registration includes the required Chemical Safety Report. The EU Risk Assessment for MTBE demonstrates the safe use for production, formulation and use as an octane enhancer in petrol as well as use in the production of other chemicals with the corresponding recommended operational conditions. Fuel ethers are not identified as SVHCs (substances of very high concern). Furthermore, the documents demonstrate that an authorisation from ECHA is not necessary for these fuel ethers.
EU legislation on chemicals differentiates between existing and new substances. Existing substances are those listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS). This is a list of all chemicals produced or used in Europe prior to 18 September 1981. New chemicals are anything produced or used in Europe after that date. A full overview of REACH and fuel ethers is available in the REACH section of this website.
MTBE is in the top most studied industrial chemicals in the world.