Reform of chemicals policy about to make a breakthrough
Last night, the European Parliament, Council and Commission agreed on a compromise for the reform of the European Chemicals Directive REACH. Federal Environment Minister Gabriel welcomed the deal as a "sensible and viable compromise". Its contents closely resemble the common position of the Council of Ministers of June 2006. "The compromise is as balanced out as the common position. The changed details that were agreed upon take environmental and consumer protection into account as well as the interests of the respective industry."
A new component of the agreement is that within the framework of the authorisation procedure the substitution of hazardous substances with safe alternatives is strengthened. Consumers have the right to demand information on whether products contain substances of very high concern. The agreement also provides an improved protection of sensitive data for companies. In addition, the process of sharing costs for the use of existing test results will be organised in a more viable way.
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals. In future about 30,000 substances which are on the European market will be registered with the new Chemicals Agency in Helsinki. Producers and importers have to develop measures for safe use of their substances and communicate them to their purchasers. Substances of very high concern are subject to an administrative authorisation process.
Minister Gabriel said: "With the fundamental reform of European chemicals policy we are making good progress in European environmental and health protection. REACH sets new standards worldwide. In the future we will know more about chemicals and their properties. This holds great potential for technological developments. In the medium term REACH will make products safer and optimise production procedures."
The text of the compromise agreed on will be adopted formally by the Parliament and the Council by the end of the year. REACH is expected to enter into force in spring 2007.
Further Information:
- <dokl:38412>Press Release as of 18.12.2006</dokl>: Environment Council adopts REACH - Chemicals directive will enter into force on 1 June