European Parliament adopts REACH

Brussels -- The European Parliament has voted to adopt the REACH (registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals) legislation, clearing the way for its progressive introduction from June 2007. The compromise package, which was tabled by four political groups (EPP-ED, PES, ALDE and UEN), was approved with 529 in favour, 98 against and 24 abstentions.

According to European Parliament president Josep Borrell: “This vote, on one of the most complex texts in the history of the EU, sets up an essential piece of legislation to protect public health and the environment from the risks of chemical substances, without threatening European competitiveness.”

From an industry perspective, Chemical Industries Association chief executive Steve Elliott said the agreement represents “the best chance for REACH to deliver on its original objective of ensuring improvements in human health and the environment whilst fostering innovation and competitiveness.” He added, however, that there remained many practical issues with regard to the implementation and enforcement of REACH.

Under REACH, producers will be obliged to register all those chemical substances produced or imported above a total quantity of 1 tonne per year. Registration will affect about 30,000 substances. For more hazardous substances, producers will have to submit a substitution plan to replace them with safer alternatives. When no alternative exists, producers will have to present a research plan aimed at finding one.

The regulation will enter into force progressively from June 2007, and the registration process will take 11 years to be completed. The calendar for registration depends on the risk of the substance and the quantity produced.

All covered substances will have to be registered by 2018. REACH also creates a new Chemicals Agency, to be based in Helsinki, which will be responsible for the authorisation process.