On Wednesday 4 October, the European Parliament adopted its negotiating position on the proposed revision of the EU Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals and mixtures (Regulation 1272/2008, known as ‘CLP’), the main pillar of EU legislation on chemicals.
It adopted the amended report by Maria Spyraki (EPP, Greek) by 519 votes to 99, with 8 abstentions.
In doing so, it came out in favour of harmonised rules applicable to all suppliers before their chemical products are placed on the market, taking into account the new classes of hazards (endocrine disrupters, persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances) in order to provide consumers and users with clear information on the risks to which they are exposed, while simplifying life for companies, particularly the smallest ones, through faster and more transparent procedures (see EUROPE 13248/23).
“With the revision of the REACH regulation, when it comes, this regulation will make it possible to maintain Europe’s pioneering role in guaranteeing safe and sustainable chemical products by design”, said Ms Spyraki ahead of the vote on Tuesday evening, stressing the importance of protecting health and the environment.
For hazard communication, the text voted supports legible labelling, including digital labelling, which is also required for online sales. It also advocates the provision of adequate resources to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and calls for alternative methods to animal testing as soon as possible.
While supporting clarified rules for hazard classification of more than one component substance (Article 5), Parliament adopted an amendment specifying that Article 5.3 will not apply to substances containing more than one component of renewable plant origin that are not chemically or genetically modified.
This is “so as not to destroy the essential oils market, which involves farmers, SMEs and large companies, especially in Mediterranean countries”, the rapporteur explained.
MEPs want the Commission to present a report on the assessment and classification of substances of renewable botanical origin containing more than one component no earlier than six years after the date of entry into force of the regulation.
Another amendment voted for (EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA, The Left) calls for a ban on all environmental claims for the most dangerous substances.
Speaking on behalf of the European Commission on Tuesday evening, Vice-President Margarítis Schinás referred to the proposal for a regulation on the table, establishing common criteria for the substantiation of environmental claims (see EUROPE 13104/1).
He also said that he had taken “good note” of MEPs’ concerns about the potential impact of the future regulation on the lavender industry, but felt that this would be one of the issues “meriting further discussion at inter-institutional level”.
The ‘Spyraki’ report has been referred back to the European Parliament Committee on Environment so that inter-institutional negotiations can be launched. The Council of the EU made a decision on 30 June (see EUROPE 13214/12). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)