EU unsure about replacing dangerous chemicals

On authorisation aspects, the Presidency indicated that some member states are pushing for the most dangerous chemicals to be banned as a general rule whenever safer substitutes are available. This is the position defended by Parliament who voted in first reading to authorise the most toxic substances for a limited period of five years in cases where they cannot be swiftly replaced.

Germany, with the support of the European Commission, big industry and several other member states, argue authorisations on dangerous chemicals should be granted, for an unlimited period, "if it can be demonstrated that the risks from the use of these chemicals are adequately controlled". However, some member states have raised the issue of defining clearly under which conditions a substance is 'adequately controlled'.

In a bid to find a compromise, France has proposed to grant authorisations on a case-by-case basis, for an agreed time-period. Under the French proposal, substitutes would be allowed only after studies confirm they are acceptable from an economic and social point of view.

French diplomats said they were able to rally a minority support, made up of Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Sweden and Estonia, for the plan. Germany, Poland, Ireland and Lithuania are opposed.