Cefic supports EC common position on Reach

28 June 2006 18:12  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) said on Wednesday it welcomed the common position on Reach, the EU’s proposed new chemicals policy, adopted by the Council yesterday (27 June).

“The agreement is a well balanced compromise in combining the need to protect human health and environment, and concerns about workability and competitiveness of the European industry,” it said.

Cefic added that, in particular, it supported the European Council’s position on authorisation compared with the one voted in the European Parliament’s first reading.

“[This] is the most effective in minimising the effects of chemicals of concern on people and the environment, and encouraging the innovation of suitable newer and safer chemicals,” it said.

“The Council’s approach is still a tough regime but takes into account the practical realities of how chemicals are manufactured and used in supply chains,” it added.

“Having a time-limited authorisation, as proposed by the EP first reading, would stifle innovation in new chemicals (and their uses downstream) and deter the development of newer and safer chemicals, going against one of the main objectives of the Reach regulation.”

By: Hilde Ovrebekk
+44 20 8652 3214

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