On 5 March, the European Commission (EC) published the second review of the European Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) along with a comprehensive evaluation report.
The EC has ultimately concluded that REACH is effective in addressing citizen concerns about chemical safety – although opportunities for improvement, simplification and burden reduction are there for the taking. The EC moreover suggests implementing changes in line with the 7th Environment Action Programme, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the renewed EU Industrial Policy Strategy. The outcomes and possible follow-up actions will be reviewed with the European parliament, the Council and stakeholders at a public conference in June 2018.