UK chems industry, govt plan test run of EC Reach system

09 May 2003 18:25  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--UK chemical and downstream producers, trade groups, non-governmental organisations and government departments will gather in London on 29 May to test-run the European Commission's new registration, evaluation and authorisation (Reach) system.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is co-ordinating the one-day event although officials from the Department for Trade and Industry will be present, the UK Chemical Industries Association told CNI at a press briefing on Friday.

In a paper exercise, five substances varying from low hazard, bulk chemicals to more dangerous substances will be put through a simulation of the testing, registration and analysis system.

An evaluation of how effectively the system works will inform the UK government's input into the Commission's consultation process, a Defra spokeswoman told CNI.

CIA director of product and sector groups Liz Surkovic said the process would also help shape the association's response to the consultation process.

Having studied the entire 1200 page Reach proposal document in detail, Surkovic said one of her main concerns was a lack of information about how the chemical test data would be evaluated and used once available. The system is more transparent about how test packages are initially agreed between the producer, member states and the new central agency to be established to operate Reach.

CIA director general Judith Hackitt declared: "If we get this wrong, there will be a major migration of the chemicals industry outside Europe. Tranches of other parts of industry will move out too. People must realise the implications of losing this basic wealth creation vehicle in Europe."

By: Will Beacham
+44 208 652 3214

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