10/11/2003 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on 5 November, Confindustria organised a meeting between representatives of Federchimica and other industries affected by the new European chemicals legislation and various Italian MEPs, namely Guido Sacconi (Democratici di sinistra), EP rapporteur for the Chemicals Directive, Mauro Nobilia (Alleanza nazionale), shadow rapporteur, Renzo Imbeni (Democratici di sinistra) and Guido Podestà (Forza Italia). In a press release from the Italian employers' association, Confindustria Vice-President, Gian Marco Moratti, was quoted as having explained the risks to Italian industry from the directive because of the huge numbers of small and medium-sized companies. He said the Commission's proposal would have to be radically simplified. Federchimica President, Diana Bracco!, also found the rules over-complex, but welcomed the Commission's initiative of consolidating the forty existing directives in a single regulation. Roberto Taranto, Director General of Anie (representing the electrical and electronics industry), expressed concern at the length of the procedures for registering chemicals in the future, while Franco Moz, General Deputy Director of Anfia, expressed concern about the cost implications for the car industry. Similar views were expressed by Francesco Curcio of Aitec (cement), Armando Cafiero of Assocarta (paper and board) and Roberto Snaidero of Federlegno-Arredo (timber).