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A fresh coat of paint on the analysis of alternatives

On 7 March 2019, the European Court of Justice annulled an authorisation granted under REACH. For the first time, the court looked at the legality of an authorisation and more specifically on how to assess the availability of safer alternatives. Even if the ruling doesn’t provide an answer to all problems connected with European chemicals legislation, it does carve out a few lessons to be learned. 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.

Keywords

: Authorisation Process, REACH, SEAC
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3 steps to support ECHA committee experts (May 2016)

Applications for authorisation are submitted in a way that severely complicates the work of the SEA committee experts. To facilitate the work of SEAC, ChemSec urges ECHA and the Commission to consider three changes to the process.

1. Include a wider perspective on costs and benefits in the socioeconomic analysis.

2. Require applicants to specify the use and function of chemicals in more detail.

3. Make procedural changes to smoothen the process.

Download the full document to read the entire proposal.

Keywords

: Authorisation Process
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Why REACH Authorisation and Workers Protection should both apply (May 2016)

In the light of “fitness check”, streamlining of REACH Authorisation process and “better regulation” in general, there is an ongoing debate around the legislation for Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) and REACH. There have been calls to exclude substances from REACH Authorisation that are also covered by limit values under OSH to avoid overlap between these two sets of legislation. ChemSec is very concerned, since REACH in synergy with OSH provides important protection for workers.

Keywords

: Authorisation Process, REACH
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The Bigger Picture – Assessing economic aspects of chemicals substitution (2016)

Policy makers need to take a broad approach in their assessments of whether to regulate a chemical or not. Since the ultimate aim is to protect human health and environment, while stimulating economic growth at the same time, one must include the costs and benefits for all involved parties. Failing to do so will cause regulation to misfire and favour laggards instead of frontrunners, as well as create barriers to innovation and weakened protection for the environment.

Keywords

: Authorisation Process, Chemicals & Business, REACH
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