ARLINGTON, Va. (Dec. 15) — The American Chemistry Council says the REACH chemicals registration legislation, passed this week by the European Parliament, is "unworkable," adding that it will stifle trade.
"The European Parliament has unfortunately failed to produce workable chemical legislation," said Jack N. Gerard, president and CEO of the ACC.
"The compromise package approved by the Parliament has not addressed many of the key concerns repeatedly expressed by industry and major EU trading partners. A more focused and flexible approach to registration, and a truly risk-based approach to authorization, could have brought our economies and regulatory systems closer together.
"Strong and effective chemical regulation should not have to come at the expense of global trade and competitiveness."
The ACC claims to represent the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry.
CEFIC, by contrast, which represents the companies most directly affected by the legislation, has committed to making the legislation work effectively.
The legislation will pass to the EU Council of Ministers for final approval on Dec. 18 in what will be a formal rubber-stamping exercise.