| Author (Person) | Carstens, Karen |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.33, 9.10.03, p25 |
| Publication Date | 09/10/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
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Date: 09/10/2003 By Karen Carstens CHEMICALS industry body Cefic has called upon the European Commission to conduct a thorough impact assessment of controversial new legislation affecting the sector before signing off on it. Otherwise, Cefic chiefs warned yesterday (8 October), there will be "more battles" ahead as REACH, the draft law to register, evaluate and authorize chemicals, heads for a first European Parliament reading. "We can either take one or two months now to have an independent third party conduct a thorough impact assessment," said Eggert Voscherau, Cefic president, "or we can continue fighting every step of the way so the whole process takes even longer". Cefic also demanded that a proposed EU chemicals agency take sole responsibility for the new approvals system. Under current plans, national authorities would also play a role, and Cefic fears this could lead to tedious "ping-ponging around" between member states, with one sounding what could be a false alarm on a substance that could hinder its development in all the others. A recently watered down version of REACH is due to be approved by commissioners on 29 October. After taking industry concerns into account and a final on-line consultation, it largely excludes polymers and includes fewer intermediates, or chemicals used to make other chemicals. The chemicals industry body, CEFIC, wants the European Commission to carry out an impact assessment of REACH, the draft law to register, evaluate and authorise chemicals, which is to have its first European Parliament reading shortly. |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry |
