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The ACC believes that the European Commission’s Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) proposal seeks considerably more information than required by regulatory authorities to assure that chemicals are produced and used as safely as possible. REACH is unworkable, impractical, and costly – and will not provide the health and environmental benefits envisioned by its creators.

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Media Contact: Tiffany Harrington
Phone: 703-741-5583

The European Commission is currently considering a regulatory proposal to implement a new chemical regulatory policy, known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals). Under the proposed new regulatory framework, companies that manufacture or import more than one ton of a chemical substance per year would be required to comply with these requirements. The proposal is a slightly revised version of the draft issued by the Commission in May 2003, which prompted more than 6,400 public comments.  The overwhelming majority of the public comments filed on the REACH proposal were negative.

ACC strongly supports the objective of protecting the health of humans and the environment. The chemical industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to this objective by investing heavily in research and development and the application of improved technologies. Although the European Commission has attempted to address some concerns raised with the original proposal, ACC considers that the revised version continues to be unworkable, impractical, costly and burdensome, with no commensurate benefit in health, safety or environmental protections.  Moreover, over 30 governments in the World Trade Organization have raised concerns about the trade and competitive impact of REACH.

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Resources:

• ACC Comments on the European Commission’s Proposal to Adopt a New European Chemicals Policy
• Overview of High Production Challenge Program
• FAQs on Chemical Regulation and Evaluation

Relevant Links:

• EU Chemicals Policy Review
• Learn more about international chemical management and regulation.
• Learn more about chemistry’s contribution to human health.

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News Releases:

ICCA Elects Christian Jourquin as President and Alain Perroy as Secretary [10/8/2008]

ACC Believes NGO Reports On REACH Impacts Create Unnecessary Confusion and Public Concern [9/30/2008]

EU Parliament Passes Unworkable REACH Legislation at the Expense of Global Trade Competitiveness [12/13/2006]

EU Parliament Committee Ignores Critical Chance to Make REACH Workable [10/10/2006]

California Policy Research Center Report Falls Short [3/14/2006]

» see all news on REACH

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