For the first time, EU regulatory experts on chemicals have recommended the classification of two chemicals using the new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors and persistent chemicals, which were introduced in 2023. Following discussions in the European Chemical Agency (ECHA)’s expert Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) last week, new opinions were adopted by consensus, based … [Read more...] about EU experts decide on first chemicals to be classified as either endocrine disrupting or persistent and mobile
An Action Plan for the EU chemicals industry: some positives, but who needs carcinogens in cosmetics?
The Commission on Tuesday presented an "Action Plan for the Chemical industry" to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. On the positive side, this includes a legislative proposal to strengthen the EU chemicals agency ECHA, and confirms the Commission's plan for a targeted revision of the EU's main chemicals law REACH. However, it also proposes using a fast-track 'omnibus' … [Read more...] about An Action Plan for the EU chemicals industry: some positives, but who needs carcinogens in cosmetics?
REACH Reform: Don’t ignore new science on Chemical Mixtures
The European Commission is currently finalising a revision of the EU’s main chemicals law, the REACH regulation. In the time since REACH was agreed, almost 20 years ago, there has been a big leap forward in our understanding of the toxic effects of the cocktails of chemicals we are all exposed to. We now know that REACH does not provide a high level of protection for human … [Read more...] about REACH Reform: Don’t ignore new science on Chemical Mixtures
European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected and re-commits to European Green Deal and revision of EU chemicals law REACH
European Commission President-elect von der Leyen announced in her political priorities this morning that "We must and will stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal" and that "we will put forward a new chemicals industry package, aiming to simplify REACH" as part of an effort to shift to a “more sustainable pattern of production and consumption, retaining … [Read more...] about European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected and re-commits to European Green Deal and revision of EU chemicals law REACH
Draft legislation to improve EU chemicals data and scientific analysis published, but what about ECHA?
CHEM Trust welcomes the European Commission's publication of three legislative proposals which aim to 'streamline assessments of chemicals across EU legislation; strengthen the knowledge base on chemicals; and ensure early detection and action on emerging chemical risks' . This package, often called 'One Substance One Assessment' or OSOA, is an important element of modernising … [Read more...] about Draft legislation to improve EU chemicals data and scientific analysis published, but what about ECHA?
EU Commission confirms that REACH revision is very important, as new regulations on classification are provisionally agreed
CHEM Trust has received a response to the letter that we sent to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 19th September 2023. The response, which comes jointly from the relevant Directors in DG Environment and DG Grow, reaffirms the Commission's commitment to revising the main EU chemicals law REACH: "As we said in the plenary of the European Parliament last year, the … [Read more...] about EU Commission confirms that REACH revision is very important, as new regulations on classification are provisionally agreed
Von der Leyen Commission fails in its responsibility to publish a proposal to improve EU chemical law REACH, despite promises in the Green Deal
This afternoon the European Commission published its work plan for 2024, and this document failed to mention the reform of Europe's main law on chemicals used in everyday products, REACH. The reform of REACH is a key component of the EU's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), published three years ago on 14th October 2020, which was described as a "new long-term vision … [Read more...] about Von der Leyen Commission fails in its responsibility to publish a proposal to improve EU chemical law REACH, despite promises in the Green Deal
Will Commissioner Šefcovic commit to reform REACH?
We have entered the final countdown for the publication of a proposal to revise the EU's main chemicals legislation REACH by the current Europe Commission team. One year ago, Commissioner Šefcovic presented the 2023 Commission work programme to the European Parliament, which stated that the REACH revision would be published in Q4 - which begins this week. The Commission … [Read more...] about Will Commissioner Šefcovic commit to reform REACH?
Waiting longer for a reformed REACH is damaging health, environment and business
CHEM Trust and EEB have today published a report, "Waiting for REACH: The negative impacts of delaying reform of EU chemical laws" which examines the impacts of the European Commission's continued delay in publishing its proposal for improving Europe's key law on chemical safety, REACH. On 14th October 2020, the Commission published its "Chemicals Strategy for … [Read more...] about Waiting longer for a reformed REACH is damaging health, environment and business
Chemical pollution: EU Commission casts doubt over future of a toxic-free Green Deal due to German industry pressure
It is being reported that the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will decide, in a meeting on Tuesday, to delay the planned publication of a revised EU chemicals law REACH from early 2023 to the end of 2023, and to refocus it on German industry concerns, casting doubt on the future of the European Green Deal’s toxic free agenda. By publishing the proposal so … [Read more...] about Chemical pollution: EU Commission casts doubt over future of a toxic-free Green Deal due to German industry pressure
