European distributors call for a 'fundamental rethink of new chemicals policy

The European Association of Chemical Distributors (FECC) has today (23 July 2003) called for the European Union (EU) to undertake a fundamental rethink of its new chemicals policy. In its present form, the proposed system is too burdensome, too complicated and too resource intensive on both the legislators and industry. FECC is calling for the EUs proposals to be simplified.

(PRWEB) July 26, 2003 -- The European Association of Chemical Distributors (FECC) has today (24 July 2003) called for the European Union (EU) to undertake a fundamental rethink of its new chemicals policy. FECC members believe that, in their current form, the EUs proposals are unworkable and will undermine the future of chemical distribution in Europe.

President of FECC, Edgar E Nordmann said, The European Commission has received more than 4,000 submissions on the workability of its new chemicals policy -- with the overwhelming number explaining why the new policy will not work."

The Commission should face the fact that its proposals are fatally flawed. They need redrafting and should then be subject to further consultation with stakeholders," he added.

Whilst supporting the overall objectives of EUs proposals, FECC believes that the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) system, in its present form, is too burdensome, too complicated and too resource intensive on both the legislators and industry.

FECC is calling for the EUs proposals to be simplified as its member companies - most of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) -- have fewer resources than the chemical manufacturers."

Edgar E Nordmann said, "Studies carried in both Germany and France have concluded that the impact of the Regulation on the chemical sector - as well as on the entire economy of those countries - will be considerable without delivering measurable improvements to human health or the environment. The United Kingdoms independent Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution also expressed its disquiet about the EUs REACH proposals by describing them as 'cumbersome and unsound. "

He continued, "FECC is very concerned that SMEs will be particularly affected, since they do not have the necessary resources to accomplish all testing procedures or to develop alternatives, if substances currently being used are no longer available."

FECC has called for a large number fundamental changes to the new policy before they can consider it to be workable and affordable. These include:

•   A testing regime which intelligently prioritises of substances of concern and does not rely on a blanket tonnage-based approach;
•   The exclusion of substances produced or imported in volumes of 1-10 tonnes as well as the exclusion of polymers, intermediates and waste;

•   The simplification of REACH bureaucracy, such as using an enhanced form of Safety Data Sheet to replace the proposed Chemical Safety Report;
•   Reduced animal testing by relying on historical and 'read across data;
•   The Central Agency, not member states, to have the authority for management and enforcement, including procedures for Evaluation and Authorisation;
•   Increased protection for Intellectual Property Rights;
•   Safeguards for small and medium-sized enterprises in relation to registration costs, access to consortia and disputes;

The cumulative impact of these important issues means that the European Commission must now finally recognise that its proposals are unworkable and require a fundamental rethink."

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Note to Editors
The full FECC submission can be found at www.fecc.org