New European Chemicals Strategy Gian Marco Currado Chemicals & GM Policy Division

Contents Background UK Government view

Why do we need a new system? 30,000 Chemicals on the market produced over 1 tonne Very limited information on risks to human health and the environment Existing regime slow to produce results Increasing public concern Lack of confidence in chemical industry

Overarching aims Single efficient and coherent regulatory framework Industry to take a leading role Deadlines to speed up the process Promotion of innovation and competitiveness Increased transparency and information

Registration – substances exceeding a production volume of 1 tonne (around 30,000) Evaluation – substances exceeding a production volume of 100 tonnes (around 5,000) Authorisation – substances of highest concern i.e. CMRs, PBTs and vPvBs Substances of equivalent concern (e.g. endocrine disrupters (EDCs)

UK Government View  UK Government Position Statement published December 2002  Response to Commission consultation July 2003   Three over-arching objectives:  Fast, efficient and workable process  Minimum animal testing  Chemical industry competitiveness

UK Government View Key Outcomes: Protection of human health and the environment Speed of operation Innovation and the competitiveness of the chemical industry Provision of Information

UK Government View Key Constraints: Minimisation of animal testing WTO and other international commitments Scope of the system Role of downstream user