Chemical federations welcome latest REACH deal

Brussels -- The EU's Council of Ministers has reached agreement on many details of the proposed REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) legislation through the EC Competitiveness Council, chaired by Lord Sainsbury. The latest deal includes further compromises that favour the chemicals industry, and the agreement was welcomed by Chemical lobbies, including CEFIC, the Belgian Fedichem and the UK's Chemicals Industry Association.

In particular the latest re-write has rejected a requirement that companies must always substitute for dangerous chemicals, where a safer alternative is available. Instead, companies will have to show that they have instituted "adequate control" procedures and seek authorisation for the less safe alternative. The compulsory substitution amendment was brought in last November. It is possible that this clause wil be re-instated when the legislation goes back to MEPs next year.

In a statement, CEFIC said, "the chemical industry acknowledges that substitution will not be introduced as a mandatory procedure. The fact that the industry permanently develops new substances will be taken into account. This will require further detailed information on these new substances."

CEFIC continued, "The chemical industry also welcomes the commitment taken by the EU Commission to develop clear criteria and guidance for the Authorisation procedure, which should basically reflect the principle of adequate control” in the respective annexes of the REACH proposal. It also acknowledges the various critical remarks of some member states which called for further clarity in the authorisation process."

For the UK-based Chemical Industries Association, Judith Hackitt, Director General of the CIA said: We look forward to finalising the details, particularly on authorisation, as the detailed policy definition process continues in 2006. We are well on the way to a workable REACH which the industry can live with and which will deliver benefits and reassurance to society.

If the legislation is agreed, it is likely to be enacted in Autumn 2006, and in force during 2007.

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Competitiveness Council Meeting on REACH CEFIC statement (Belgium)

REACH: un pas dans la bonne direction Fedichem press release (Belgium)

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EU members strike deal on REACH chemicals bill EU Observer (Belgium)