Cefic statement on the latest REACH discussions at CARACAL

On 3 April, the European Commission services presented their latest thinking on the revision of the REACH Regulation during a meeting of CARACAL – the expert group of Competent Authorities for REACH and CLP, which advises the Commission on chemical legislation.

From what we have heard today at CARACAL, it seems that the Commission services are living in a different world than their own political leadership and President.

The REACH proposals made today will massively increase the administrative burden for industry and SMEs in particular. Calling the proposals “simplification” is absurd. Most of what was presented is identical to proposals made three years ago.

It’s as if there is no Competitiveness Compass, no Clean Industrial Deal, no economic crisis whatsoever. As if the High-Level Dialogue with Commissioner Roswall and EVP Séjourné didn’t even take place.

We are truly shocked.