Cefic warns new EC REACH proposals will add to industry red tape

Brussels - The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) has expressed concern over the European Commission’s latest proposals for revising the REACH Regulation.

In a 4 April statement, Cefic warned that the proposed changes will "significantly increase" administrative burden for industry and small businesses.

The proposals were presented by Commission services during a 3 April Caracal* meeting with member state experts, as part of ongoing discussions on updating Europe’s chemicals legislation.

Following the meeting, Cefic said the proposals were likely to “massively increase the administrative burden for industry and SMEs in particular.”

The industry group also rejected the Commission's suggestion that the proposed plans would 'simplify' processes.

“Most of what was presented is identical to proposals made three years ago,” the statement said.

The proposals, Cefic said, do not take into consideration other EU-level policy developments such as the competitiveness compass, the clean industrial deal, and recent high-level dialogues.

“From what we have heard today at Caracal, it seems that the Commission services are living in a different world than their own political leadership and president,” it added.

Cefic concluded the statement by saying it was “truly shocked” by the direction of the proposals.

* Caracal – The Competent Authorities for REACH and CLP is an expert group that advises the European Commission on implementing EU chemicals legislation, including the REACH and CLP regulations.