EU Lawmakers Reach Compromise on Chemicals Bill
Date: 10-Nov-05
Country: BELGIUM
Author: Jeff Mason
The changes agreed by major political parties bring the Parliament's version of REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) closer in line with the draft being discussed by European Union member states put together by Britain, current holder of the EU presidency.
REACH was designed to protect people from the adverse effects of chemicals found in a wide range of products such as paint, detergents, cars and computers.
Chemical makers would have to register the properties of substances with a central EU database. Those of highest concern, such as carcinogens, would require authorisation to be used.
Like the British text, the parliament compromise reduces the number of substances in the low-tonnage category that would require tests for registration.
That category applies to chemicals that are produced or imported in amounts of between one and 10 tonnes a year, estimated to be between 17,500 and 20,000 substances.
Guido Sacconi, the parliament member chiefly responsible for steering the bill, said the compromise would mean 30 percent of these would require tests, down from 40 percent under a previous agreement in the environment committee.
"I think that, to be blunt, is acceptable," he told a news conference.
The compromise makes some tests for chemicals above 10 tonnes optional. It also creates more possibilities for firms to opt out from a requirement that they share testing information among themselves.
STILL ON TRACK
Sacconi said the agreement meant a vote in the full parliament would likely go ahead next week. "It looks like we are going to reach a broad majority," he said.
Germany has asked member state ministers to delay their decision on REACH, scheduled for the end of November, to allow more time for its government to get up and running. Some have speculated that parliament would also delay its vote.
The impending vote has sent environmentalists and industry representatives scurrying to influence the outcome. Chemicals lobby group CEFIC said it welcomed the information about a compromise, but environmental group WWF expressed concern.
"Rather than moving towards an effective new EU policy on chemicals, a process is under way that will render it unable to deliver on its original aims," WWF said in a statement.
REACH is not only controversial in Europe. The United States has criticised it for trade reasons, and African nations have said its requirements could harm their mining industries and push them further into poverty.
EU ambassadors are expected to decide on Friday whether to accept Germany's proposal to postpone the council of member states' decision on the bill.
Sacconi said there were not many differences between the council and parliament positions and urged the European Commission -- the original author of the bill -- to fulfil its role of mediating between the two sides rather than introducing new changes of its own.
"The Commission has spent its time so far trying to drive us apart," he said.