This week the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released a meta-analysis on the socio-economic impacts of REACH authorisation. According to ECHA, the way the authorisation process has been handled has led to increased control of use of the most problematic chemicals…
Commission to face EU Court over authorisation of lead chromate in paint
The European Commission is facing a second court challenge for allowing a Canadian company to sell two dangerous chemicals used for road markings and painting industrial machines in the EU. Environmental lawyers ClientEarth, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), the International…
12 new substances added to the REACH authorisation list
Earlier this week twelve new substances were added to the authorisation list, annex XIV. The move follows a decision taken in the REACH Committee in December last year. “ChemSec is very pleased that more substances are added to the authorisation…
Why should producers of safer chemicals bother with policy when no one listens to them?
Why should producers of safer chemicals bother with policy when no one listens to them? The authorisation process hurts European innovation Ι By Anne-Sofie Andersson When I studied chemistry I used to rent a small flat in a rather rundown...
Producers of safe alternatives oppose authorisation, decision this week
The content of this week’s SEAC meeting, where authorisation of regulated chemicals are discussed, all boils down to the question: Which businesses do we want to support in Europe – old-fashioned industry unwilling to phase-out carcinogens, or start-ups innovating safer…
Why last week’s EDC vote was a huge step forward
A historic vote took place last week as the first substances ever were recorded as endocrine disruptors (EDCs) for human health under REACH. The vote, which took place in the REACH committee with representatives from all EU member states, was...
Court rules in ECHA’s favour over its decision to release confidential chemical information to NGOs
ECHA was right in its decision to release previously undisclosed information connected to a DEHP authorisation application to environmental NGOs ClientEarth and the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), Chemical watch writes. The application for authorisation by Czech chemicals manufacturer, Deza, contained…
Are the wheels of European chemical policy finally starting to turn again?
As an environmentally aware person working with chemical policy it is not every day you get to see positive signs. Industry lobbyists are hindering progressive legislation, the policy and implementation processes are too slow and the positive effects of what…
New substances finally added to annex XIV
After over two years since the latest addition, the Commission now decided to add new substances to annex XIV. All in all the REACH committee has agreed upon 12 new chemicals to added which brings the annex XIV tally to…
Review of 2016: The 5 biggest mistakes by the Commission and more
It’s Christmas time again, and beyond that 2017 is approaching fast. But before we all log off and spend some well-deserved time out of the office, we want to take you back, reminisce and think about some of the most...