European Union
Progress update on the Universal PFAS restriction proposal – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), in collaboration with the five national authorities that submitted the PFAS restriction proposal, has issued an update on the progress of the proposal. This update indicates a refined approach that could allow certain uses of PFAS to be exempt
Our latest updates on Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) across Europe.
European Union
Designated Commissioners on PFAS: Jessika Roswall, designated Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy, and Stéphane Séjourné, designated Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, will undergo candidate hearings in the EU Parliament before a confirmation vote. As
On 21 October 2024, the EU Ombudsman issued Recommendations in the context of her own-initiative investigation on ‘The risk management of dangerous chemical substances by the European Commission’ (Case OI/2/2023/MIK).
The inquiry, opened on 8 June 2023, investigates the Commission’s practices – notably its delays – in the examination of requests for
In response to questions raised by MEPs, Candidate Commissioners Stéphane Séjourné (see letter) and Jessika Roswall (see letter) presented their views on the upcoming Chemicals Industry package, announced by President Ursula Von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines.
Both candidates commit to the creation of a “more efficient regulatory framework”
The European Commission (EC) has published its Report on its 2023 Anti-Dumping, Anti-Subsidy and Safeguard activities. Along with the Report, the Commission has also shared a more detailed Staff Working Document.
Different trends emerge. First, EU trade defense activity was intense in 2023. In particular, the number of new investigations initiated by the EC
European Union
PFHxA Restriction: The European Commission has introduced new restrictions on undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a substance that is a part of the PFAS family, and related substances under the REACH Regulation. This applies to products where PFHxA poses significant risks and safer alternatives exist. Affected products include consumer textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, and certain
Georgie Messent and Thomas Delille joined ICIS – Chemical Podcasts this week to discuss how Europe’s beleaguered petrochemical industry could see its fortunes improve if the EU’s new industrial policy proposals are adopted, along with a fair regulatory framework. Listen to the podcast to hear them discuss:
European Union
New EU Commissioner’s statement on PFAS – Re-elected as the head of the European Commission for another five years on 18 July, Ursula von der Leyen has pledged to maintain the Green Deal while prioritising competitiveness and prosperity. She also committed to simplifying the REACH regulation and clarifying issues related to PFAS, though
European Union
EU-wide Universal Reach restriction proposal: The Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) of ECHA reached provisional conclusions during their June meetings on the following sectors:
Additionally, RAC provisionally
European Union
REACH restriction progress: In early June (from June 4-7, 2024), one of the two scientific committees of ECHA, the Socio-Economic Assessment Committee (SEAC), will hold a plenary session to discuss the proposed restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). SEAC will particularly focus on the general approach to be undertaken, metal plating and