In an article published on March 15, 2018 by regulatory news provider Chemical Watch, editor Luke Buxton informed about a proposed amendment to the EU waste framework directive that would oblige suppliers to notify the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) of the presence of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in articles. “The move forms part of the EU’s circular economy package to develop non-toxic material cycles so that recycled waste can be used as a major and reliable source of raw material, free from hazardous chemicals,” Buxton explained. The European Parliament will likely vote on the proposal in mid-April 2018 after which the European Council would formally adopt the amendment by the end of July 2018.
The amendment would require EU Member States to 1) promote the reduction of hazardous chemicals in materials and products, and 2) make sure suppliers of articles, as defined under REACH Article 33, provide information on the presence of SVHCs. According to Article 33 of the REACH regulation, suppliers of articles that contain SVHCs included in the Candidate List, in a concentration above 0.1%, need to inform downstream users in their supply chain. Suppliers also need to provide information upon request from consumers within 45 days (FPF reported).
Under the new amendment, ECHA would have to establish a database to collect company’s data submissions. The database would provide useful information for waste operators, consumers, and public authorities. However, “successful database operation will depend on the quality of data submitted by article suppliers to the EU market,” Buxton noted.
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Luke Buxton (March 15, 2018). “Amended EU waste Directive to require notification on SVHCs in articles.” Chemical Watch
