Chemicals policy

ChemSec’s role

The fastest and most effective path to a toxic-free world is through stronger laws. Voluntary measures will never match the impact of binding legal requirements. One of ChemSec’s main focus areas is therefore chemicals policy — especially in the EU.

Stronger chemicals legislation means greater protection for people and planet. It also means an innovation boost for safer alternatives and a huge market opportunity for solution providers and future-proofed companies. These are two of the things we push EU decision-makers to address.

One of ChemSec’s main strengths is the fact that we work closely with not only the decision-makers but also with the investment community, the chemical industry, downstream companies, and solution providers. This broad network of contacts and knowledge gives ChemSec an edge in policy discussions. 

ChemSec is at the centre of the EU decision-making arena and is part of the European Chemicals Agency’s Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) as well as the CARACAL processes. In fact, ChemSec holds official seats in numerous chemicals policy committees. Our input is actively sought by the EU Commission, Member States and the European Parliament.

All you need to know about EU chemicals policy

There are several different chemical legislations around the world. In the EU, for example, there are more than 40 chemical-related regulations, with REACH and CLP being two of the most important ones.

How good (or not) these legislations are varies from region to region. Chemical legislation in the EU is perhaps the most ambitious chemicals regulation in the world. But it is still not enough to protect human health and the environment from the most harmful chemicals.

Use the links below to learn more about chemicals policy in the EU — and find out what needs to be done.