Est. 1min 25-09-2002 (updated: 07-11-2012 ) Euractiv is part of the Trust Project >>> Languages: Français | DeutschPrint Email Facebook X LinkedIn WhatsApp Telegram The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) urges the Commission to finally present its new proposal on the chemicals policy. EEB organises on 27th September a conference called “European Chemicals Policy reform- From paralysis to action”. After the widely-discussed White Paper on the chemicals policy review, the Commission intended to deliver legislation before the end of 2001 and then before Summer 2002. The legal proposal by the Commission has been repeatedly delayed and is now expected for the end of this year. This delay might jeopardise the target to have the new system in place by 2004 and a single system governing all chemicals by 2012. EEB’s conference aims to provide political input into the legislative process and outline the key decisions to be taken. Decision-makers, environmental and industry representatives will discuss the key outstanding issues. Read more with Euractiv CAP and fisheries reforms on Council agendaEU Farm Ministers will discuss Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy reforms, as well as organic farming, genetically modified organisms and animal welfare on 23-24 September. Subscribe now to our newsletter EU Elections Decoded Email Address * Politics Newsletters Positions Inger Schörling(Sweden, Green), MEP and rapporteur on the White Paper, stated in its report that measures to prevent the release of dangerous chemicals to the environment can not wait. She also stated that to have the new system in place by 2004, the Commission would need to present its proposal for the new regulatory framework by the beginning of 2003 at the latest. CEFICcalls for a more extensive business impact study and for a less demanding proposal. "Indeed, it will be a real problem to find enough capacity and expertise to deal with all new testing requirements for 30,000 chemicals in 10 years". The EEBis convinced of the urgent need for reform and believes that the direction of the future policy proposed by the commission is correct. BackgroundWith the publication of its "White Paper on EU chemicals policy" on 13 February 2001, the European Commission started a major review of its legislation on chemicals. The Review aims at streamlining and simplifying the major EU legislative instruments in place on chemicals. The White Paper proposes the introduction of a single system for existing and new substances called REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals). The Commission ordered a report on the business impact of the new chemicals policy and presented this report during a stakeholder conference in May 2002. Timeline Fall 2002: Publication of the draft chemicals legislation The Commission is expected to publish its draft regulations before the end of the year. The draft legislation will almost certainly undergo a series of amendments by the European Parliament and the European Council of Ministers. 2003: Adoption of new legislation European Parliament and European Council of Ministers are expected to agree on the final version of the legislation in the second half of 2003. 2004-2014: Legislation is implemented The Commission plans to phase in a series of deadlines for complying with the REACH programme between the end of 2004 and 2014.
