1. Nanomaterials: UK experience and SAICM relevance Richard Vincent Head of International Chemicals and Nanotechnologies, Defra WEOG Regional Focal Point for SAICM

2. Defra’s Objective 2 Defra’s objective is to: C haracterise and promote a proportionate approach to the environmental management of nanomaterials, so as to protect health and the environment while enabling growth. Within the European Union, we are currently addressing : 1.The amendment of annexes to the existing EU REACH Regulation to clarify requirements for nanomaterials 2.The review of the EC recommendation for a definition of the term “nanomaterial” 3.“Transparency” measures for increasing public information about nanomaterials

3. Nanomaterials in REACH EC’s Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials (October 2012) - more specific requirements for nanomaterials within REACH are necessary. Modifications to some of the technical provisions in the REACH Annexes have been drafted by the European Commission to address nanomaterials more explicitly. 3 EU Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Nanomaterials covered by definition of a "substance" in REACH. Credit: EU

4. EU definition of nanomaterial Recommendation published in 2011. Has been reviewed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre – final part of report published July 2015 http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC95675/towards%20review%20ec%20rec%20def%20nanomaterial%20- %20part%203_report_online%20id.pdfhttp://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC95675/towards%20review%20ec%20rec%20def%20nanomaterial%20- %20part%203_report_online%20id.pdf Sets out options to clarify the definition and to facilitate its implementation. EU Consultation expected in early 2016. 4

5. “Nano transparency” European Parliament called for “an inventory of the different types and uses of nanomaterials on the European market, while respecting justified commercial secrets… make this inventory publicly available”. European Commission is currently examining some form of a EU inventory to ensure:  proper functioning of internal market  a level playing field for businesses 5

6. Research links Required to support policy needs. Public dialogue to understand public perceptions of nanotechnologies. UK Natural Environment Research Council highlight topic - Environmental pathways, impacts and fate of manufactured nanomaterials. Mapping of environment-related nano research. Horizon scanning - identify emerging issues which may require a Government policy response. Discussions with centres of excellence. 6

7. SAICM and nanomaterials SAICM has helped raise awareness. INF/19 shows that several international organisations are involved in activities on nanomaterials. Good range of activities proposed for the next five years. Need to link to the Chemicals in Products programme. Need to ensure a proportionate approach. 7

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9. Nano definition in EU ‘ ‘Nanomaterial’ means a natural, incidental or manufactured material containing particles, in an unbound state or as an aggregate or as an agglomerate and where, for 50 % or more of the particles in the number size distribution, one or more external dimensions is in the size range 1 nm-100 nm. In specific cases and where warranted by concerns for the environment, health, safety or competitiveness the number size distribution threshold of 50 % may be replaced by a threshold between 1 and 50 %. …. fullerenes, graphene flakes and single wall carbon nanotubes with one or more external dimensions below 1 nm should be considered as nanomaterials.’ COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION of 18 October 2011 on the definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU) 9