More on implementation of REACH and the potential cost to the chemical industry:
The UK has become one of the first countries in the EU to issue draft proposals on enforcing the bloc’s new chemicals controls law, due to add to the regulatory cost burden faced by industry.
The UK estimates that the direct cost of to all domestic industry to be £515m (€390m) over 11 years.
The EU directive, called the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH), will apply not only to chemicals manufacturers or suppliers, but to any business that uses chemicals.
The individual member state laws, once implemented, would require information about the characteristics and any hazards associated with a particular chemical.
For more information, see: UK issues consultation on enforcing EU chemicals law