Reach: Germany seeks independent review of EC chems plan

26 August 2003 15:31  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--The German government has called for independent assessment of the European Commission's (EC) proposed chemicals legislation as part of its move to backed wider demands issued by the chemical industry association VCI and trades union IG BCE.

Third party evaluations of the potential impacts of EC's registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals (Reach) proposals were called for in a joint statement from the environment and work ministries.

The government criticised the proposed Reach legislation as “too bureaucratic” and warned that the competitiveness of the German chemicals industry should not be jeopardised. It added that less stringent requirements were wanted for those medium-sized chemicals firms obliged to perform the initial safety tests for chemicals to satisfy Reach, and for an easing of rules on intermediates used in 'closed' systems. 

The ministries said the Reach proposals do not correspond to the EC's promise of fast, simple and cost-efficient procedures, and warned that business could be damaged.

The EC is to issue its final legislative proposals for Reach later this year. The eight-week consultation period on Reach ended in early July with around 6400 submissions.

By: Russell Ong
+44 208 652 3214

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