The new European regime for the regulation of chemicals aimed at ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment has reached the second reading committee stage, meaning it is likely to come into force around April 2007. The Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) will place an obligation on manufacturers to show that around 30,000 substances already in use are safe. Chemicals used in household products, like detergents, computers and toys, will be tested on their health and environmental impacts and companies will need to register all chemicals they produce and import. Authorisations will be required for the most dangerous substances.
This much has been agreed, however disagreement has centred on what action manufacturers will have to take on chemicals found to pose a hazard. The European Council of Ministers backed industry demands for a soft option encouraging voluntary substitution, however the Environment Committee has now endorsed mandatory replacements where a safer and economically viable alternative exists. A decision that has delighted environmental groups.
In other REACH news, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been appointed as the enforcing authority for the long-awaited legislation, and have already set up a help desk offering advice to those still confused about how the provisions will affect them and their business.
