Number: RS22673
Title: Chemical Regulation in the European Union: Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals
Authors: Linda-Jo Schierow, Environmental Policy, Resources, Science, and Industry 
Abstract: On June 1, 2007, the European Union (EU) began to implement a new law, Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), in EU commerce. It is intended to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals while at the same time protecting the competitiveness of European industry. REACH evolved over eight years and reflects compromises reached among EU stakeholders. The final regulation reduces and coordinates EU regulatory requirements for chemicals new to the EU market and increases collection of such information for chemicals already in the EU market, thus potentially removing disincentives to innovation. It also shifts responsibility for safety assessments from government to industry and encourages substitution of less toxic for more toxic chemicals in various chemical applications. The Bush Administration expressed concerns about its trade implications for U.S.-produced chemicals. U.S. chemical industry representatives believe that REACH is "impractical." In contrast, some public-interest groups are urging U.S. legislators to adopt a similar legislative approach.
Pages: 4
Date: March 19, 2008