Together with ClientEarth, we wrote to the EU Commission to ask for significant changes in the way they handle authorisations for use of harmful chemicals – a system essential to drive the industry towards safe and sustainable chemistry.
PRESS RELEASE: EU court closes door to unjustified use of dangerous chemicals
The European Court of Justice confirmed today that the EU illegally allowed dangerous substances for sale in paints when there were safer options – setting a precedent that tightens the screw on companies’ use of toxic chemicals in the EU.
Company involved in landmark court judgment says it won’t reapply for permission to use lead chromates in paint
Four years ago, the EU Commission granted the Canada-based paint manufacturer Dominion Colour Corporation (DCC) authorisation to use toxic lead chromates in red and yellow paint pigments. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the company will not reapply for permission to continue selling these pigments in Europe beyond May 2022, when its current authorisation expires.
The European Court annulled an authorisation. Here is what we can learn from it
On 7 March 2019, the European Court of Justice annulled an authorisation granted under REACH. For this reason, ChemSec and ClientEarth joined forces in a new report that aims to analyse the judgement and translate it into concrete actions for the future.
Does the European Parliament have any say in chemicals policy?
One of the biggest democratic exercises in the world is approaching rapidly. More than 400 million people from 28 different countries will vote in this month’s European Parliament elections. Or at least they should, especially if they care about progressive chemicals policies.
EU Parliament on its way to object DEHP authorisation
EU Parliament on its way to object DEHP authorisation Yesterday, the EU Parliament took a big step towards a rejection to use the chemical DEHP. The ENVI Committee (DG ENVI) voted in favour of two resolutions, which objects implementing acts...
The Swedish Government sued the EU Commission – and won
The Swedish Government sued the EU Commission – and won Three years ago, the Swedish Government challenged the EU Commission’s decision to grant the Canadian company Dominion Colour Corporation (DCC) authorisation to use carcinogenic lead chromates in yellow and red...
Why the socio-economic analysis within REACH isn’t “socio” at all
The socio-economic analysis, in its current form, does not paint the whole picture. And it is absolutely necessary for the EU Commission to see the whole picture when deciding on whether or not to grant an authorisation. Otherwise, this procedure threatens to counteract the very aim of REACH.
The EU Commission grants authorisations for cancer-causing chemical
Two legislative never-ending stories regarding authorisation to use of the cancer-causing chemical chromium trioxide are finally coming to an end. Two applications – one from the company Gerhardi and one from a whole slew of companies spearheaded by chemical manufacturer Lanxess – got the REACH Committee’s green light last week to continue using chromium trioxide in a wide range of products.
Lead in paints: the challenge continues
ChemSec and its partner organisations are continuing the fight against the use of two chemicals of high concern in paints.