Today, the European Parliament voted on the matter in plenary, and a great majority voted in favour of a resolution – in other words, against granting an authorisation.
For the first time ever, an authorisation could be rejected in the EU
Recently, the European Parliament Environment Committee voted in favour of a resolution against the draft decision from the EU Commission to grant an authorisation for using sodium dichromate, which is classified as cancerogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction.
Why DINP belongs on the SIN List
The plasticiser diisononyl phthalate, DINP, was added to the SIN List back in 2008. It is one of a few chemicals that ChemSec has received requests to remove.
Letters to Hansen
Letters to Hansen Note: This is the third letter in an on-going discussion between ChemSec's Executive Director Anne-Sofie Andersson and her counterpart at Echa, Björn Hansen. You can read the first letter from Ms Andersson here and Mr Hansen's response...
The usual suspects: time to move beyond the most obvious SVHCs
Echa still claims that “all currently known relevant substances of very high concern (SVHCs) have been addressed”, a statement that has received much criticism.
You’ve got mail, Björn Hansen
Dear Björn, I hope that you have settled in well in Helsinki and that you are beginning to find your feet at ECHA. In your new position I expect that you will focus on making the agency’s work more efficient. I also hope that you will guide the agency towards a greater focus on human health and the environment.
The Commission’s to-do list following the REACH review lacks actual things to do
The REACH review came out already a couple of months ago, so naturally it’s old news by now, right?
Wrong – the review forms the basis for the discussions at an almost endless number of different policy meetings for a good chunk of the year. It will pave the way for new investigations, mappings, roadmaps and what have you.
REACH could learn a thing or two from other legal frameworks
When applicants in the authorisation process claim there are no safer alternatives for them to use, regulators take their word for it.
But the authorisation process is not the only area of EU law where companies apply for some kind of permit and include a market analysis together with the applications. For example, there is a very similar legal process for companies applying for merger clearance.
Workplaces are becoming safer everyday, but more can be done
Workplaces are becoming safer everyday, but more can be done Written by: Dr. Sharon McGuinness, Dip IoD. Assistant Chief Executive in the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland, Chemicals & Prevention Division and chair of ECHA's Management board In my...
EU chemicals approval process stifles safer alternatives
PRESS RELEASE Analysis by ChemSec and ClientEarth shows the chemicals approval process gives undue influence to companies producing dangerous chemicals and stifles information on safer alternatives, limiting the market for companies that produce them. Under EU chemicals law REACH,…