In an article published on June 7, 2016 the non-profit organization International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) reports that companies IKEA, H&M, Skanska, Kingfisher, The Swedish Construction Federation, and COOP Denmark have sent a joint letter to the European Commission (EC), calling for “scientifically based, well-grounded, horizontal and clear EDC criteria that can be understood, communicated and applied on various products.” The companies state that they “heavily rely on the confidence of [] consumers” and already put “much effort into identifying and phasing-out substances with endocrine-disrupting properties.” Therefore, the companies urge the EC to not only consider the interests of companies concerned about negative impacts of strict EDC regulation, but also the interests of companies whose business success depends on the trust and safety of their consumers.
“The Commission must now ask themselves: Which type of companies do we support by our suggested EDC criteria: The progressive and innovative companies or the companies unwilling to adapt to a changing environment,” stated Anna Lennquist, toxicologist at ChemSec. The EC’s decision on EDC criteria is scheduled for June 15, 2016. According to ChemSec’s article, there shall be two separate draft criteria: One for the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, (EU) No 528/2012) and one for the Plant Protection Product Regulation (PPPR, (EC) No 1107/2009).
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ChemSec (June 7, 2016). “European companies ask the Commission for protective EDC criteria.”
Skanska (July 6, 2016). “Stronger EU chemical criteria needed.“
