On April 3 – 4, 2025, the Competent Authorities for REACH and CLP (CARACAL) convened to present their preliminary plan for revising the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation to member states. According to Chemical Watch News & Insight, the documents shared during the meeting reflect ongoing internal discussions and are considered a work in progress.
The proposed revision aims to streamline bureaucratic processes for both companies and authorities, modernize the regulatory framework, and strengthen enforcement. Industry representatives have expressed concern that the changes could lead to increased bureaucracy. In contrast, some civil society organizations view the plan as a step toward deregulation and argue that it is not in line with the objectives of the European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
Theresa Kjell, Head of Policy at the Swedish civil society organization ChemSec, stated that, “[i]n one single sweep, the EU Commission would drastically weaken the ability to phase out the worst chemicals, increase the burden on Member States and reduce the protection of human health and the environment.”
The legislative proposal for the REACH revision remains under development and is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in October or November 2025. Following its adoption, an eight-week public feedback period will allow stakeholders to submit their input.
References
CARACAL-54 (April 3, 2025) “Presentations REACH Revision.”
Luke Buxton (April 7, 2025) “European Commission and member states in final talks on REACH revision plan.” Chemical Watch News & Insight
Eline Schaart (April 8, 2025) “EU chemicals industry blasts ‘absurd’ REACH revision plans.” Chemical Watch News & Insight
Theresa Kjell (April 28, 2025) “’When I heard their plans for REACH, my heart sank’” ChemSec
Read more
Clelia Oziel (April 9, 2025) “‘Bureaucratic monster’ – Industry slams ten-year REACH dossier validity plan.” Chemical Watch News & Insight
Health and Environment Alliance (April 14, 2025) “European Environmental Bureau (EEB), CHEM Trust and Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) comments on the update of REACH information requirements for Ecotoxicological information and Toxicokinetics/ADME.”
Health and Environment Alliance (April 24, 2025) “Health groups call for ambitious health protection in REACH revision.”
Clelia Oziel (April 28, 2025) “NGO to launch major initiative to strengthen REACH revision campaign.” Chemical Watch News & Insight
Eline Schaart (April 29, 2025) “EU countries take issue with ‘vague’ REACH revision process.” Chemical Watch News & Insight
Luke Buxton (May 6, 2025) “National authorities welcome European Commission ten-year REACH registration plan.” Chemical Watch News & Insight
