Chemicals policy developments - A overview of up-coming policy developments in the EU.

 The European Chemicals Agency is running a public consultation until mid October on the 15 new proposed chemicals of ‘very high concern’ under REACH. The phthalate DIBP, proposed for its property of being toxic to reproduction, is one of the 15. These chemicals, if / when officially adopted, go on to the Candidate List, and become subject to consumer right to know disclosures (see weblink to chm take action), and later may be given priority to undergo the ‘authorisation’ process. Public comments about any of the 15 chemicals are welcome, and the comments can be either general; specific to the ‘justification’ submitted for placing this chemical on the candidate list, or pertain to use, exposure, alternatives and risks; or any additional (including confidential) information. More Information

 This autumn will see the European Parliament working on the ROHS Directive ‘Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment’. Key issues include whether more hazardous substances will be added to the ban, and whether restrictive action is linked to REACH procedures. HEAL is monitoring developments and is collaborating with a number of other groups to strengthen the directive in its own right.

HEAL’s action on chemicals

 HEAL has participated in the Meeting of Competent Authorities on REACH and Classification & Labelling of Hazardous Substances (11 - 12 October)

 HEAL and ChemTrust new leaflet about threats to Male Reproductive health and Endocrine Disruptors.

 Consumer Right to Know brochure available soon in Danish and Icelandic.

 HEAL has contributed to joint position paper on REACH and Public Access to Information on Chemicals - this will be available soon. HEAL has been following the developments in REACH on public access to information about chemicals from the REACH registration dossiers. We have made submissions to the European Chemicals Agency, and anticipate developing a joint position paper on the subject together with other NGOs active on REACH implementation.

Your action

 HEAL will be submitting comments on the phthalate DIBP, and can collate and your input if desired. Please contact Lisette for more details.

 Consumer Right to Know brochure - Members can circulate these leaflets to the public, and request information from retailers and manufacturers about harmful chemicals in products you buy. You can find the leaflets here. Don’t forget to send us the answers you receive!