MEPs approve REACH chemicals safety law

3.51.27pm GMT Thu 17th Nov 2005

Sarah Ludford campaigning for safe products with Barbara Gill from the National Federation of Women's Institutes

In a marathon vote today in Strasbourg, the European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted an amended version of the controversial EU directive on REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals).

The most significant piece of environmental legislation ever adopted by the EU, REACH is intended to identify and phase out chemicals which pose a risk to human health and the environment. Its requires manufacturers to prove that their chemicals are safe if they are to stay on the market.

London's Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"This is a good result, meaning stronger but simpler legislation on chemicals and replacing 25 different national regimes with one single system. It represents a fair balance between the aims of health and environmental protection and maintaining a viable chemicals industry."

The outcome particularly takes into account the special situation of smaller firms, for example through reduced registration requirements for low quantities of non-hazardous chemicals and through the 'one substance one registration' procedure, of sharing test data, reducing the number of tests which need to be performed.

"I'm glad that MEPs supported the Commission's proposal to reduce the number of animal tests carried out. I also strongly welcome the clause giving consumers the right to know what substances are present in a product, whether produced in the UK or imported."

Sarah Ludford concluded:

"The ALDE group of Liberals and Democrats played a vital role in securing the amendments which allowed the Directive to go through; many of the votes were passed on a narrow margin with the ALDE as the swing group. It is now up to the UK Government, currently holding the Presidency of the EU, to secure a final agreement by the end of the year."

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