Nanomaterials

Background

Nanomaterials exist in nature (e.g. volcanic ash), result from human activity (e.g. car exhausts) or can be manufactured for the use in different applications. The innovative power of nanotechnology stems from the fact that physical, chemical, electromagnetic and other properties of materials might change with the size. The use of materials in their nanoform therefore opens the door to a great many new technological solutions.   

Nanomaterials bring tangible benefits to society. They are currently used in a wide range of products from electronic batteries to paints and cosmetics, as they enhance a function or a property of materials or products. Besides being used in everyday consumer goods, they also serve a key enabling technology for innovative products and processes in many sectors, including car manufacturing, construction, electronics and healthcare.

The development of nanotechnologies is essential for Europe’s innovation potential, competitiveness and economic growth.

How nanomaterials are regulated in the EU

Like any other substances, nanomaterials must be produced, used and disposed of in a safe and sustainable way to bring value to society. Together with all other chemical substances, nanomaterials are covered by the REACH Regulation and the Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP Regulation) as well as other product-specific EU legislation such as the Cosmetics Directive, the Product Safety Directive etc. Under REACH, manufacturers, importers and downstream users are obliged to ensure that all the substances they manufacture, put on the market or use do not adversely affect human health or the environment.

In 2018 the European Commission adopted amendments to the REACH Annexes with regard to registration requirements for nanomaterials. As of 2020, REACH registration dossiers will have to include more detailed information on nanomaterials.

Cefic’s position

Cefic supports a balanced approach to regulating nanomaterials. We believe that the existing EU risk assessment paradigm and regulatory framework are sufficient to ensure the safety of nanomaterials. Current legislation may and should be adjusted to accommodate some specific provisions on nanomaterials, if needed, but creating new additional layers of regulation should be avoided, so as not to hamper the sector’s innovation and growth. 

In particular, we support the following approach:

• Further development of the EU-wide nano-observatory
• A workable definition of nanomaterials (currently being developed by the European Commission)
• Minimisation of the registration costs for nanomaterials
• Improvement of current testing requirements

Visit the European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials to learn more about existing nanomaterials on the EU market.