On Thursday 13 June, four non-governmental organisations - the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), ClientEarth, Zero Waste Europe and Health Care Without Harm (HCWC) - called on the European Commission to ban polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They argue that the EU has a “legal duty” to act in accordance with its own laws, and call for PVC to be phased out by 2030, noting that this is necessary to protect public health and the environment.
PVC, used in products ranging from flooring to toys, is associated with serious health and environmental risks, including cancer and birth defects. A 2023 report by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) (https://aeur.eu/f/cn7 ) confirms these dangers and indicates that alternatives exist.
PVC and its additives are on the EU’s “Restrictions Roadmap” (https://aeur.eu/f/cn8 ), a list of the most harmful chemicals.
However, the EU has not yet taken steps to ban PVC. The NGOs point out that under European REACH legislation, which came into force in 2007 (see EUROPE 13174/11), chemicals presenting an unacceptable risk must be subject to restrictions. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)