European Commission defines principles on limiting the most harmful chemicals to essential uses

The Commission has adopted criteria and guiding principles on what would constitute “essential uses” of the most harmful chemicals. The adopted Communication provides industry and investors with predictability for the manufacture of products that are indispensable for the EU’s ecological and digital transition, health and defence. It is a concrete outcome of the Sustainability Strategy for Chemicals, which aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the most harmful chemicals and to move towards a toxics-free environment.

 

 

 

 

Communication on essential uses

The concept of “essential uses” helps to assess when the use of the most harmful substances is socially justified. In cases where the use is necessary for health or safety, or where it is essential for the functioning of society, and if there are no acceptable alternatives, the substance may continue to be used for that purpose for a certain period of time. Detailed provisions should be laid down in specific EU legislation implementing the essential use concept.

The overall objective of this concept is to achieve greater regulatory efficiency and predictability for authorities, investors and industry for a faster phase-out of the most harmful substances in non-essential uses, while allowing more time for the phase-out of uses that are essential for society. It will also help industry to target and prioritise investments in innovative and sustainable chemicals.

 

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For uses considered essential for society, the concept can provide companies with the assurance that substances used in critical applications, in particular for the ecological and digital transition, but also for security and defence, can continue to be used until alternatives become available.

This concept can also provide incentives under voluntary schemes, such as sustainable finance and research and innovation, promoting and facilitating the transition to safer and more sustainable products and methods.

 

Transition to safe and sustainable chemicals: EEA report

To support the transition to safe and sustainable chemicals, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published on 17 April a framework of indicators to assess the drivers and impacts of chemical pollution. The report found that while the transition is progressing in some areas, it is just beginning in others. The benchmarking showed that further work is still needed to reduce the impact of harmful substances on human health and the environment and provides recommendations for future action.

 

More information: European Commission