On December 15, 2014 the non-governmental organization The International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) sent comments to the European Commission (EC) regarding the proposed changes to the authorization process of the EU chemicals regulation REACH. The goal of the proposed changes is to streamline and simplify the authorization process. ChemSec is concerned that some of the changes would jeopardize the important intentions of the REACH regulation and impose extra burden on both companies and authorities. In particular, ChemSec perceives a significant risk that the changes have a potential to:
- undermine the innovation potential in industry
- hamper substitution
- decrease the level of protection of human health and the environment
- make the authorization process more complex and unpredictable
ChemSec perceives the development of the authorization procedure as a priority issue to enable the success of REACH in the future. The system shall support innovation and thus encourage companies to manufacture alternatives to Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
Read more
ChemSec (December 16, 2014). “ChemSec reacts on proposed changes to the REACH authorisation process.”
ChemSec (December 15, 201). “ChemSec’s comments on the Commission proposal: Streamlining and simplifications of the authorisation process for some specific cases.” (pdf)
EC (October 24, 2014). “Streamlining and simplifications of the authorisation process for some specific cases.” (pdf)
