Today, the Commissionis initiating a public consultation on the revision to the Regulation on the Registration Evaluation Authorisation and Restriction Chemicals (REACH). The revision will align the EU chemical ruleswith the Commission’s ambitions for safe andsustainable chemicals, high levels of protection of the environment and a high degree of protection of human health, while maintaining the internal market. The planned REACHrevision is part of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability..
Thierry, Commissioner for the InternalMarketBreton,said:
Europe is already a leader in safe and sustainable chemicals. Our chemicals policy aims at accelerating this transition for the benefit our citizens and the planet, while continuing to allow innovation by the chemical industry. I rely on industry, academia, civil society, and the public authorities to help me identify the solutions that will support these efforts.
Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries,VirginijusSinkeviius,
We have made great strides in controlling chemicals in the EU. But, our European Green Deal aims to ensure that we all live in a toxic-free environment. The revision to REACH will achieve this goal.
The Commission invites citizens to voice their opinions on the following elements.
- Revision of the registration requirements, including increased information requirements and the obligation to register polymers (the building blocks for plastics)
- Assessment factors for mixtures
- simplification of communication within supply chains
- Revision of the provisions for dossier evaluation and substance assessment;
- Reform of authorisation and restriction processes, including extension of generic approaches for risk management and introduction of the essential usage concept;
- The revision of the control and enforcement provisions.
The public consultation will provide insight into the ongoing work on an impact assessment. It is available here. Mid-February will see the release of translations in all other languages of the EU.
Background
Chemicals are vital for modern society’s well-being, high living standard and comfort. They are used in many industries, including energy, housing, mobility, and healthcare. However, many chemicals have dangerous properties that can harm the environment or human health.
The EU already has sophisticated laws regarding chemicals in place. REACH has created the most extensive knowledge base on chemicals worldwide and established scientific bodies to conduct risk and hazard assessments for chemicals. The EU has also managed reduce the risks to the environment and people for certain hazardous chemicals such as carcinogens.
REACH is designed to improve the protection and environment of human health and the environment. It also aims to preserve the functioning and innovation of the EU’s chemicals industry. These four processes are REACH: registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction and authorisation.
The Chemicals Strategy for Sustainable Development was published by European Commission on 14/10/2020. It is part of the EU’s zero-pollution ambition, which is a key component of the European Green Deal. Through its 85 planned actions, it aims to improve the protection of citizens and the environment as well as encourage innovation for safe and sustainable chemicals.
More information
Go to the questionnaire
More consultations regarding the REACH revision
EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability