Summary
The discussion paper explores the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, focusing on the identification and management of Endocrine Disruptors (EDs). There is an ongoing “Fitness Check” of EU legislation concerning EDs, with calls for a uniform approach across various sectors. Despite a lack of horizontal criteria, REACH has shown efficacy in identifying EDs based on existing standards. The paper proposes applying criteria from the EU Plant Protection Products and Biocidal Products Regulations to REACH for a consistent approach. It opposes creating a new hazard class for EDs under UN GHS or EU CLP, arguing current hazard classes already address adverse effects. Further, it advocates for research into non-animal testing methods to understand ED mechanisms better.
Key Takeaways
- Advocate for more research to develop reliable, non-animal based testing methods for ED identification.
- Use REACH to implement criteria from existing EU Plant Protection Products and Biocidal Products Regulations for consistent ED identification.
- Oppose introducing a new hazard class for EDs under UN GHS or EU CLP, promoting consistency and global harmonisation.