New EU Chemical Policy – REACH
ExxonMobil welcomes the revision of the EU's chemical policy, better known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of CHemicals). We fully support its stated objectives - protecting human health and environment, while enhancing the competitiveness of European industry - provided all are met equally.
We are concerned that the Commission proposal, despite some improvements over earlier versions, continues to propose more burden and higher cost on industry as well as an overwhelming amount of bureaucracy. We fear that the proposal will result in stifled innovation and a major negative impact on employment and capital investment in the EU.
ExxonMobil responded to the Commission’s internet consultation with a detailed set of recommendations in order to improve the workability of REACH. However, several of our key concerns have not yet been taken on board:
- The Central Chemicals Agency must have full responsibility for all aspects of the system in order to ensure an efficient process
- REACH must be risk-based and focus resources by prioritising substances of highest potential risk (e.g. by employing the ECETOC Targeted Risk Assessment)
- The EU must subject the proposed REACH regulation to an extended business impact evaluation based on an economic model that incorporates the indirect effects as well as the open nature of the European economy.
ExxonMobil believes that it is possible to reconcile the REACH objectives and we are committed to working with the Commission, the European Parliament and the EU Member State governments towards this common goal.
For more information:
Precautionary Principle
Phthalates Solvents
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