Cefic positions
The one-stop shop for all position papers of the European Chemical Industry.
Find out about our policy priorities on the Policy Matters section.
Cefic views on the revision of the Weights & Dimensions Directive
Cefic welcomes the revision of the Weight and Dimensions Directive which aims to increase road transport efficiency, combined with incentivizing the uptake of low- and zero-emission vehicles.
Cefic views on the CountEmissions EU Regulation
Cefic considers the EU Commission’s proposal for the CountEmissions EU Regulation as a significant step forward in supporting the transport & logistics industry to reduce emissions.
Open Letter | Supply chain letter on the need for mass balance fuel-use exempt for chemical recycling
Cefic views on the EC initiative “Hazardous chemicals – prohibiting production for export of chemicals banned in the European Union”
Joint letter to the European Commission urging the adoption in 2023 of an EU-harmonized rule for calculating chemically recycled content through mass balance
33 European industry associations urge the EU to adopt rules to calculate chemically recycled content in plastics.
Cefic views on the draft Delegated Acts on the four remaining environmental objectives of the EU Taxonomy Regulation and amendments to the Climate Delegated Act
Cefic position on Sustainable Carbon Cycles Driven by Low-Carbon Energy
The paper “Sustainable Carbon Cycles Driven by Low-Carbon Energy” is part of the Position Paper on“Restoring sustainable carbon cycles”.
ACC – Cefic – U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council-TTC – Recommendations from the Transatlantic Chemical Industry
Cefic position on the Revision of EU Legislation on hazard classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP)
Cefic position paper on Chemical Recycling: Delivering recycled content to meet the EU’s circular economy ambitions – the Single Use Plastics Directive Implementing Act and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive revision
Open letter of the EU industry calling for optional eligibility of low-carbon hydrogen to the hydrogen targets
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) can contribute to meeting Paris Agreement GHG emission ambition | Cefic position
Statement by the Energy Intensive Industries ahead of the Extraordinary Energy Council of 30 September 2022
Towards an accurate accounting for carbon from biomass in the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) | Position paper
Statement by energy intensive industries on the outcome of the extraordinary energy council of 9th September 2022
Cefic response to Call for Evidence – ‘better access to chemicals data for safety assessments’ | Cefic position
European’s Commission proposal for an Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR) | Cefic position
Cefic Response to the European Commission call for comments on the draft revised rules on horizontal cooperation agreements between companies (“Draft Horizontal Guidelines”)
Chemical Recycling | Cefic position
The Green Deal is at the heart of the EU’s ambitions of becoming climate neutral. To meet the ambitious European objectives, much more waste plastic needs to be recycled and a broader range of markets need to be served with plastic products containing recycled content. In this respect Cefic highlights the potential of chemical recycling…
Revision of the Waste Framework Directive | Cefic view
As a Responsible Care®-registered industry sector, we aim at investing in the best available technologies and adopting the best practices to reduce waste. The industry is developing technologies necessary to turn waste into valuable raw materials.
Bio economy | Cefic position
Cefic commends the ambition of the first European Bioeconomy Strategy and its noteworthy successes. The chemical industry sees a lot of untapped potential for the bioeconomy to contribute to the ambitions of the EU Green Deal. It calls for more certainty, visibility, consistency, and better policy coordination for the EU to be a frontrunner in bioeconomy
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) | Cefic position
As carbon leakage risks for the EU chemical industry are set to increase, effective carbon leakage prevention remains essential for the chemical industry’s transformation.
Animal testing and the chemicals strategy for sustainability (A Joint letter from members of the European Parliament, civil society and Industry)
ACC AND CEFIC welcome resolution of U.S section 232 tariffs and EU retaliatory tariff
American Chemistry Council (ACC) President and CEO, Chris Jahn, and Cefic Director General, Marco Mensink, issued the statement in response to the U.S. and EU agreement to end the harmful tariffs impacting the transatlantic chemical industry.
Safe and Sustainable-by-Design Report: Boosting innovation and growth within the European chemical industry
Survey in support of the Commission services’ work on the definition of Safe and Sustainable by Design criteria for chemicals and materials
Joint Statement NGO and industry call on the European Commission to include animal testing in REACH Impact Assessment and to do more to support non-animal methods
EU Soil Strategy | Cefic view
Soil and groundwater contamination prevention remains one of the chemical industry’s highest priorities, along with prompt remediation measures in case of accidental spills or long-lasting contamination. The industry applies the latest technologies and procedures to comply with the broad European2 and national legislation frameworks.
Cefic Supports Green Deal and Climate Neutrality
The Green Deal recognises that energy-intensive industries, such as chemicals, are indispensable for Europe’s transition, as solution providers to multiple value chains. Climate neutrality by 2050 means going through a deep transformation within just one or two investment cycles. The EU chemical industry intends to grasp the opportunities arising from the transition to a climate…
Cefic view paper on how to boost the Bioeconomy sector
Bio-Based Products (BBPs) developed by the chemical industry are key to support the European Green Deal and Europe’s ambition to become climate neutral by 2050, yet actions need to be taken to bring the bio-based production at scale.
EU Taxonomy and transition financing | Cefic views
Cefic welcomes European Commission efforts to bring clarity and transparency on environmental sustainability to investors, companies and issuers. The chemical industry strives to continuously improve its production processes, to lower its carbon footprint and to enable further emissions reductions along the various value chains, while pioneering breakthrough and disruptive technologies. The EU Taxonomy must be…
Cefic ideas for an updated EU Industrial Strategy | Cefic position
Cefic welcomed the publication, in March 2020, of the EU Industrial Strategy. One year later, we support an update of the strategy to bring it more in line with the objectives of the EU Green Deal and the aftermath of the Covid crisis.
Methane emissions in the chemical industry | Cefic position
EC request to Cefic: the European Commission’s (EC) energy department (DG ENER) reached out to Cefic in January to get more information on methane emissions in the value chains of the chemical industry. The main idea of Cefic response is to show the EC that methane emissions from refineries and chemical plants represent only a…
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability | Cefic position
Cefic supports the public health and environmental goals of the strategy and shares the vision outlined by the European Commission in the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
Interplay between REACH & OSH legislation | Cefic view
Cefic sees OSH and REACH legislations as complementary to each other in the context of workers protection that must be risk-based and supported by a strong engagement of Social Partners in enhanced Social Dialogs. Cefic also recognises the need for clarification on the interface between these two legislative frameworks to avoid overlapping conclusions to help micro and SMEs assessing their risks and taking the appropriate level of protection for their Workers.
2030 target plans | Cefic position
Cefic position on the Commission proposal to step up Europe’s 2030 climate ambition
Cefic Response to the European Commission call for contributions Competition Policy supporting the Green Deal
EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 | Cefic views
Cefic supports the revision of the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work for 2021-2027 to promote the higher Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards in Europe and elsewhere, to focus on better implementation of OSH acquis, and to ensure a science, data and risk-based policy involving Social Partners.
Commission’s legislative proposal to amend the Aarhus Regulation | Cefic views
Cefic acknowledges the efforts made by the Commission to address concerns raised by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee while preserving consistency with the EU Treaty system of legal remedies to ensure judicial review of EU acts – but remains concerned as to the consequences of the proposed legislative changes.
Revision of lists of pollutants affecting surface and groundwaters | Cefic views
Cefic supports the revision of lists of pollutants affecting surface and groundwaters based on new scientific developments and on a thorough data collection involving a proper consultation of relevant stakeholders.
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) Joint letter (reply) from Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner Sinkevičius, confirming that there would be no ‘regulatory overhaul’ and only a very ‘targeted revision’, as the strategy itself says
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Enforcement and enforceability
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Implementation of the harmonised Risk Management Framework (RMF) | Cefic position
Safety in handling and transport of all chemicals is at the heart of the Transport and Logistics activities of Cefic’s members. Through the long-lasting Responsible Care programme, the European chemical industry has adopted a sustainable strategy aiming for “zero accidents” in chemicals logistics based on a coordinated continuous improvement approach.
Cefic response to the Inception Impact Assessment on Taxonomy-related disclosures
Cefic supports the objectives of the European Green Deal and EU ambition to become climate neutral by 2050.1 As a sector “indispensable to Europe’s economy”2 and supplier of many key value chains, climate neutrality requires a deep transformation within limited investment cycles.
Potential Aarhus Regulation revision foreseen to broaden rules on Access to Justice | Cefic view
Following the legislative initiative announced in the Commission Roadmap on ‘better access to justice in environmental matters’, Cefic shares its views on the upcoming proposal to revise the Aarhus regulation which may lead to a privileged access to justice by environmental NGOs.
Circular economy action plan | Cefic answer to the Public consultation for Inception impact assessment regarding the upcoming initiative in the area of Consumer policy – strengthening the role of consumers in the green transition
Cefic welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the initiative undertaken by the European Commission about a new legislative proposal on strengthening the role of consumers in the green transition in line with Better regulation principles and criteria (effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, EU-added value).
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability | Cefic’s response to the Roadmap on the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS)
Cefic calls for a Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) that recognises the essential role of chemicals to deliver climate ambitions, ensures a high level of safety and integrates holistically the multiple dimensions of the Green Deal – climate neutrality, materials circularity and resource efficiency – while boosting competitiveness and innovation to serve Europe’s strategic interests….
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability | Input Paper on the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS)
This paper outlines the preliminary views and proposals of the European chemical industry, as represented by Cefic, on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability proposed by the European Commission under the EU Green Deal. Its content may evolve at the light of future developments. It is organised in two part: 1. an overview outlining the…
Circular economy action plan | Cefic answer to the Public consultation for Inception impact assessment regarding the upcoming initiative in the area of environmental performance of products & businesses – substantiating claims
Cefic welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the initiative undertaken by the European Commission about a new regulatory initiative on substantiating green claims regarding Environmental performance of products & businesses in line with Better regulation principles and criteria (effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, EU-added value)
Waste Shipments Regulation WSR | Cefic Contribution to Publication Consultation on Waste Shipment Regulation
Waste Shipments Regulation WSR | Explanatory note based on Cefic position paper to support public consultation
Cefic Letter to President von der Leyen Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
Cefic calls for a multi-stakeholder dialogue to discuss changes to REACH in the context of the upcoming Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
Cefic statement on the EU Economic Recovery Plan
Ahead of the European Council meeting on 17 July the EU chemical industry calls on the EU member states to urgently agree an EU Recovery Plan to restart Europe’s economy and kick off investments towards a green and digital transition.
EU Commission’s “Strategy for a Sustainable and Smart Mobility” Roadmap | Cefic position
Cefic supports the Green Deal and Europe’s ambition to become climate neutral by 2050. The Green Deal also recognizes the crucial role that the chemical industry plays in Europe’s transition, as a key solution provider to multiple value chains and as a contributor to low emission mobility. The EU chemical industry intends to grasp the…
Hydrogen | Cefic position
Cefic expects hydrogen to play a pivotal role in reducing the GHG footprint of Europe’s energy and feedstock supply within the transition to climate neutrality.
The future of the European chemical industry will be closely intertwined with the development of a hydrogen economy, as it is both a major producer and consumer of hydrogen.
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Strategic chemicals
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Strategic chemicals
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Supporting Global chemicals management
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Track and trace of Declarable substances for recycling June 2020
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: a level-playing field for the EU chemical industry
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Climate policy and carbon leakage | Cefic position
The chemical industry’s initial thoughts on possible EU Border Adjustment Measures –
Cefic – CIA position on REACH related issues in the future relationship between the EU-27 and the UK (Brexit)
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Safe and Sustainable by design
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Simplification chemicals legislation
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Combined exposure and way forward
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) | Discussion paper: Endocrine Disruptors
This paper was developed in the context of a stakeholder dialogue that followed our submission to the EU Commission’s Roadmap consultation on the future Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is meant to trigger an exchange of policy ideas or suggestions to inform the dialogue but does not constitute the agreed position of Cefic or its Members.
Best Available Techniques (BREF) | Cefic position paper Cefic additional remarks and comments to the Art. 13 Forum Workshop on the next BREF review cycle
As suggested by DG ENV in the Art 13 Forum workshop on June 12, 2020, Cefic would like to use the opportunity for a submission of more detailed comments and arguments.
Circular Economy 2.0 | Cefic position
In Cefic’s Mid-Century Vision, the European chemical industry sees itself at the centre of Europe’s circular economy. From the design phase of products to their end-of-life, the chemical industry can offer innovative solutions to the benefit of the sector itself and throughout the value chain, enabling downstream industries to become more circular. By transforming waste…
Circular Economy action plan | Updated submission to the Roadmap for the new Circular Economy
In order to unleash the full potential of innovations the chemical industry can provide to a circular economy, Europe needs a progressive policy environment and smart regulations stimulating innovations.
Chemical valorisation of CO2 | Cefic position
Carbon is an essential element of most products needed by society, and carbon is part of the structure of most chemicals. Recycling carbon from CO2 (and CO from ‘industrial waste gases’) is one of the options that can be considered by the chemical industry to reduce the environmental footprint of chemicals and polymers, develop the…
A Long-Term strategy for Europe’s industrial future – from words to action
This Joint Paper is the outcome of months of discussions and consensus-building between a wide range of industrial sectors, all willing to contribute to the preparation of this much-awaited “comprehensive long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future”. At a key time where the EU is discussing the next Multiannual Financial Framework, we are ready, more than…
The need to provide the list of importers in the IUCLID5 registration dossier of an only representative
Commission’s proposal establishing a Framework to Facilitate Sustainable Investment | Cefic views
Cefic considers that the “Taxonomy Proposal” may help mobilizing finance towards environmentally beneficial projects and foster cross-border investments by defining a common language for environmentally beneficial investments. This may promote retail and institutional investors’ interest for such investments.
Ambitious and comprehensive EU Industrial Strategy to enable industry’s contribution to the EU long-term GHG goals | Joint statement
The interface between chemical, product and waste legislation and identification of policy options | Cefic position
EU Single Market | Cefic views
The Single Market is a major asset for a competitive chemical industry. Cefic encourages EU and Member State authorities to uphold and consolidate the Single Market.
Joint declaration on the legal framework to manage risks related to the use of reprotoxic substances at the workplace
The chemical industry and trade unions today agreed on the future framework to further protect EU workers from the risks associated with exposure to substances toxic to reproduction at the workplace. In a joint declaration signed, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), industriAll European Trade Union, the European Chemical Employers Group (ECEG) and the European…
Stocktaking of the Commission’s Better Regulation approach | Cefic views
Cefic welcomes progress under President Juncker’s Better Regulation Agenda and invites the incoming Commission to follow up on and deepen existing rules and practices.
Cefic Manifesto for a competitive Europe
Why the EU needs an ambitious Industrial Strategy, and what it should contain
Combination effects of chemicals | Cefic position
Today, EU chemicals policy and risk management schemes predominantly focus on the safety of individual chemical substances. They protect public health and the environment by ensuring that no chemical substance is intentionally present in the environment at levels that might cause harm.
EU Research & Innovation Framework Programme: The Chemical Industry’s role in EU growth and competitiveness
Cefic welcomes the EC Horizon Europe proposal’s ambition to make Europe an unparalleled global innovation hub and recognition given to the innovative and enabling role of industry, by placing the pillar of the ‘Global Challenges & Industrial Competitiveness’ at the heart of the programme. In this role, industry provides productivity, progress, jobs and prosperity, and…
ECHA Cefic to Work on an Effective Implementation of REACH (MOU) | Joint statement
With the completion of the third registration deadline, REACH now regulates all chemicals on the EU market. Recognising that the 2018 Commission General Report on REACH calls on all actors to further improve REACH implementation and, in particular, on industry and ECHA to further improve the safety information and its communication in the supply chain,…
Transparency and sustainability of the EU risk assessment model in the food chaine EFSA | Cefic position
REACH Annexes amendments to address nanoforms of substances: Cefic’s perspective
Cefic welcomes the vote of the REACH Committee on REACH Annexes amendments for nanomaterials. The adaptation of the Annexes is a meaningful step to reduce existing legal uncertainties and provide more clarity for the registration of nanomaterials under REACH. The issue remains, however, complex and some of the amendments can even create further confusion.
Cefic, ECEG and industriAll European Trade Union statement on Brexit
The UK’s decision to leave the EU presents a political and economic challenge that creates significant uncertainty for companies and their employees. Cefic, ECEG and industriAll Europe are united in their concern about the adverse impact that Brexit could have on the viability, international competitiveness and employment within Europe’s chemical industry on either side of…
Clean energy for all Europeans Package
Europe’s chemical industry welcomes the Clean Energy Package proposal from the European Commission in its ambitions to reform and harmonise energy markets in Europe and to pioneer the low-carbon economy for the benefit of all its citizens.
Clean energy for all Europeans Package – Executive summary
Europe’s chemical industry welcomes the Clean Energy Package proposal from the European Commission in its ambitions to reform and harmonise energy markets in Europe and to pioneer the low-carbon economy for the benefit of all its citizens.
Cefic EBPF Comments on CA document draft criteria determination
Cefic-EBPF is disappointed that the Commission has retained the term ‘substance’ instead of the
term ‘active substance’, despite the legal and procedural arguments made by Industry in
December1 2016 and February 20172.
Cefic – EBPF Comments on CA Document CA-April17-Doc.3.1.a & b: Draft criteria for the determination of endocrine-disrupting properties under the BPR
Cefic-EBPF is disappointed that the Commission has retained the term ‘substance’ instead of the term ‘active substance’, despite the legal and procedural arguments made by Industry in December1 2016 and February 20172.
Extension of the scope of the proposed endocrine disruptors criteria from ‘active substances’ to ‘substances’ in the biocidal products regulation (528/2012)
Circular economy | Cefic view
The European chemical industry supports the transition towards a circular economy as part of a strategy to make Europe more resource efficient. This can be achieved both by avoiding unnecessary material and energy losses throughout the life-cycle of products and maximising value by keeping resources circulating in loops.
Respiratory sensitisation | Cefic views
Cefic is committed to ensuring that the health of workers and the safety of products are top priorities for the chemical industry. This paper focuses on the management of substances with respiratory sensitising potential.
European Commission Public Consultation on a New Energy Market Design
Cefic supports the building of a liberalised European energy market that is based on full and open competition, and is designed to lead to uninterrupted, competitively priced, secure energy for all consumers. This is a fundamental necessity for EU energy intensive industries to be able to compete in an internationally competitive environment.
Cefic Response to the EC Public Consultation on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
The EPBD has been effective in promoting energy efficiency in new buildings, but a more concerted effort is required to improve the energy efficiency of existing building stock. The EU must work to ensure longterm investments in energy efficiency in buildings by coming forward with a vision for the whole building stock translated in individual…
Cefic Response to the Commission’s EU ETS reform proposal of 15 July 2015
Response to the legislative proposal: COM(2015)337/F1: “Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Directive 2003/87/EC to enhance cost-effective emission reductions and low-carbon investments” https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/?fuseaction=feedback&docId=3079130
Solutions for a well-functioning, fair and effective EU Emissions Trading System | Cefic position
The European Council Conclusions of October 2014 provided detailed guidance to prevent the risk of carbon leakage after 2020.
Rules of Origin for Chemical Chapters 28 to 40 under Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union on 31st January 2020 and the transition period, both sides are now negotiating a future trade relationship. A priority in these negotiations is the conclusion of a trade agreement that will be the core of the future economic relationship.
The Energy Union: drivers for success | Cefic Position
Cefic supports the launch of the Energy Union and welcomes the Commission’s aim to alleviate constraints and enable growth and job creation. Delivering uninterrupted, competitively priced, stable and secure energy to fuel the European economy is a cornerstone to industrial competitiveness. An Energy Union achieving this goal would convince industries to invest in Europe, enabling…