The EU Commission and industry agree to launch a strategic partnership to test the workability of REACH

12-Jul-2004

As an integral part of the Commission's Interim Strategy for REACH, the EU Commission and the European industry have agreed to launch a Strategic Partnership to test REACH in practice.

The Interim Strategy was set up immediately after the adoption on 29 October 2003 of the Commission's proposal for new chemicals legislation, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) and will continue until the Regulation enters into force. The Interim Strategy aims at preparing all actors, the Commission, Member States and industry for the practical application of REACH.

In the context of its Interim Strategy, the Commission had invited proposals for Strategic Partnerships between the Commission, the Member States and the industry. Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, made a proposal to the Commission for a comprehensive, EU wide exercise, a Strategic Partnership on REACH Testing (SPORT). The Commission has now agreed a joint paper with the industry outlining SPORT.

SPORT provides an opportunity to test the workability of the REACH proposal, and to identify solutions where problems are found. It supplements the work of the Commission on the REACH Implementation Projects (RIPs), and will provide input to the development of cost-efficient implementation solutions. From the industry's side, the exercise will involve manufacturers/importers as well as downstream users, and it will be facilitated by independent consultants. A Steering Committee consisting of the main actors will manage SPORT.

As SPORT sets out to simulate as realistically as possible the implementation of REACH by the main actors, it requires sufficient time to be completed. The aim is to publish a final report in mid 2005. However, interim findings will be reported as they become available.

Alain Perroy, Director General of Cefic, said: "We support the political objectives of REACH and since the very beginning we have made proposals to ensure REACH will deliver benefits for health and the environment in the most effective manner. SPORT is another contribution of the EU industry to contribute to a workable REACH for all parties concerned. Cefic therefore welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the Commission."

Other news from the department politics & laws

Most read news

More news from our other portals

Discover the latest developments in battery technology!