Other relevant EU Policies
A number of other EU policies are closely related to chemicals policy, for example because they need information on chemical properties, or they cover specific groups of chemicals or products.
Key policies are briefly listed on this page, with links to more information. They are divided into two groups, reflecting the modular approach suggested on the chemicals policy modules page:
- Policies that need information on chemicals in order to operate
- Policies that regulate specific groups of chemicals
Policies That Need Information on Chemicals in Order to Operate
IPPC - The Control of Emissions From Industrial Plants
The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) directive created a system for regulating emissions from factories across Europe. DG Environment's IPPC page explains the IPPC approach in more detail, and provides links to other sources of information.
The IPPC system is based on integrated permits, which cover all emissions from a factory, including waste and energy efficiency. Permissible emissions are determined through an evaluation of Best Available Technology (BAT), and the European IPPC Bureau is responsible for producing detailed Best Available Technology Reference Documents (BREFS). This BREFS are freely downloadable.
Occupational Health Regulations
The Chemical Agents Directive is the main EU-level legislation related to health and safety and chemicals. Member States have the freedom to go further than EU Health and Safety regulations such as this one. One example of an EU Member State approach is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health legislation in the UK.
Emergency Planning Regulations
Emergency planning for chemical factories and other industrial installations is regulated at EU level through the Seveso Directive. For an example of the implementation of this Directive by an EU Member State, see the UK Health and Safety Executive's COMAH web page.
Product Regulation, Including Eco-Labelling and Regulation of Chemicals in Electrical Goods.
Many areas of EU product legislation require information on chemical properties, notably the EU Ecolabel and the regulation of hazardous chemicals in electrical equipment through the Restrictions on Hazardous Substance (ROHS) Directive.
Policies that regulate specific groups of chemicals
Pesticides
The EU has system for reviewing all Plant Protection Products (pesticides), which is due to be completed by 2008 - see the Commission plant protection web page for more details.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals have their own regulatory system in the EU, as with other regions, in which all chemicals must be approved before use. A summary of EU pharmaceuticals legislation, with links, is available from Euractiv.
Biocides
Biocidal products are regulated in Europe through the Biocides Directive — see the DG Environment Biocides page for more details. One significant feature of this Directive is the fact that availability of substitutes can be considered prior to authorisation, as the above web page states: "Comparative assessment will be made at the Community level when an active substance, although in principle acceptable, still causes concern. Inclusion to Annex I may be denied if there are less harmful, suitable substitutes available for the same purpose."
Cosmetics
The EU's Cosmetics Directive regulates cosmetic ingredients in Europe, with the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products reviewing risk assessments of cosmetic ingredients.
Food Additives and Other Materials in Contact With Food
See the European Food Standards Agency food additives page.
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