In an article published on August 3, 2016 the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) informs that it has submitted feedback to the European Commission’s (EC) public consultation on the proposed criteria to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) for plant protection products and biocidal products (FPF reported). In its response, Cefic welcomes using the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Program on Chemical Safety (IPCS) definition of an EDC as a basis for the criteria, but criticizes the omission of potency. According to Cefic, the EC’s criteria “do not meet the aim of identifying harmful from harmless substances for regulatory decision-making.” In order to do so, potency, lead toxicity, severity, and (ir)reversibility should also be included in the criteria. Cefic is in favor of Option 4 of the EU’s EDC roadmap (FPF reported), which includes potency as an element of hazard characterization. Further, Cefic stated that categories as proposed in Option 3 (i.e. potential EDC, suspected EDC, endocrine active substance) are “not relevant” and “create legal uncertainty for regulators and stakeholders without providing benefits in terms of protection of health and the environment.”

In addition, Cefic reports that the EC has made notifications to the World Trade Organization (WTO) for both the Plant Protection Products Regulation (PPPR, (EC) No 1107/2009) and the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, (EU) No 528/2012), with an ongoing consultation for input until August 31, 2016.

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Cefic (August 3, 2016). “Cefic contributes to Commission proposals on endocrine disruptors.

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