In an article published on July 18, 2016 by the non-profit organization CHEM Trust, Michael Warhurst reports on a new study from the European Commission (EC) entitled “Cumulative cost assessment for the EU chemical industry.” The aim of the study was “to analyze the cumulative costs of the most relevant EU legislation with a bearing on the chemical industry.” The EC identified three main drivers of regulatory costs: 1) legislation on emissions and industrial processes (33% of costs), 2) chemicals legislation including REACH and CLP (30% of costs), and 3) workers’ safety legislation (24% of costs). However, the study did not consider economic or broader societal benefits of the legislation (such as protection of workers, public, and environment), Warhurst stresses. Also, the data underlying the study were provided by industry and no comparison with other regions in the world was made, Warhurst notes. Further, CHEM Trust states that “the costs of injury from chemicals is far higher than any regulatory cost.”
The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) also reported on the study, highlighting that “the cost of implementing major regulations for the European chemical industry doubled between 2004 and 2014” and stating that “Europe needs to focus on its competitiveness, of which the regulatory burden is a big factor.”
Read more
Michael Warhurst (July 18, 2016). “Chemical regulations cost money wherever you are in the world – and they protect workers, public and environment.” CHEM Trust
Cefic (July 14, 2016). “New Commission study shows high regulatory costs for EU chemical industry.”
Reference
EC (July 11, 2016). “Cumulative cost assessment for the EU chemical industry – Final report.” (pdf)
