The European Commission has presented on 29 October 2003 a proposal for a new EU regulatory framework for chemicals. The proposed new system is called REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of CHemicals), and requires that manufacture or import of more than one tonne of a chemical substance per year be registered in a central database.
The proposal has been drafted in consultation with all interested parties, including via an internet consultation.
The proposed Regulation would replace over 40 existing Directives and Regulations on the issue. REACH would require companies that produce and import chemicals to assess the risks arising from their use and to take the necessary measures to manage any risk they identify. This would reverse the burden of proof from public authorities to industry for ensuring the safety of chemicals on the market.
For more information, please refer to the following links:
RAPID Press Release, "Chemicals: Commission presents proposal to modernise EU legislation"
RAPID Memo, "Q and A on the new Chemicals policy REACH"
European Commission, DG Enterprise (including provisional version of the proposal in English, as adopted by the Commission on 29 October - please note the new proposal will be published soon in all EU languages on EUR-Lex as soon as the text has been finalised)
European Commission, DG Environment
Previous article on this website: European Citizens Say "Protect Us From Hazardous Chemicals"
Declaration for a Toxics Free Future (introduction letter here)
