REACH - Events

Technical workshop on the follow-up to the Review of REACH, 27 June 2013, Brussels

On 27 June 2013 the Commission will host a full day workshop to present the main findings of its Report on the operation of REACH and to discuss priorities for actions, to follow-up on the Report's recommendations. 

More than five years into its operation, the REACH Regulation has passed a number of important milestones, and the review obligations in the Regulation were an opportunity to look at the progress on all REACH objectives. The report concludes that REACH works but that there are many opportunities for improvement. The workshop aims to discuss with the stakeholders some of the report's main recommendations and possibilities for concrete actions.

The workshop will take place in the Albert Borschette Conference Centre, room AB-0A, rue Froissart 36, Brussels. Participation is free but requires registration by 10 June 2013 (see here under). In case there will be more than 200 registrations, the Commission will select participants with a view to obtain a balanced representation of stakeholders and geographical origin of participants. The accepted participants will receive the confirmation by 17 June 2013. You can contact the organizers at ENTR-ENV-REACH-REVIEW@ec.europa.eu in case of questions related to this event.

The workshop will be webstreamed live. By registering for the workshop, the participants give their consent to appear on the web throughout the screening of the event. Closer to the event, a link to the webstreaming will be provided on this page.

A detailed agenda will be posted here soon.

For registration, please introduce your individual email address in the box and click on "Register".

Workshop on the Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials, 30 January 2013, Brussels

On 30 January 2013, the Commission has hosted a workshop to present and discuss the main findings of the Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials with representatives from the European Parliament, Member States and stakeholders.

On 3 October 2012, the Commission has adopted the Communication on the Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials . This Communication constitutes the follow-up to the 2008 Commission Communication on regulatory aspects of nanomaterials. It assesses the adequacy and implementation of EU legislation for nanomaterials, indicates follow-up actions and responds to issues raised by the European Parliament¹, the European Economic and Social Committee² and the Council³. As part of the Second Regulatory Review, the Commission also adopted a Staff Working Paper on Nanomaterial Types and Uses, including Safety Aspects . The Staff Working Paper presents available information on types and uses of nanomaterials and analyses relevant information on the safety of nanomaterials.

A full video recording of the workshop can be viewed via this webstreaming link. 

The presentation documents can be found below. Direct hyperlinks to the individual video presentations will be added later.

Opening

Antti Peltomäki, Deputy Director General, European Commission, DG Enterprise and Industry [30 KB] – [Hyperlink to speech (3:20 – 9:20)]

Karl Falkenberg, Director General, European Commission, DG Environment – The text of the speech will be added here within the coming days – [Hyperlink to speech (9:25 – 19:09)]

Session 1: The Market Potential and Knowledge Base

Gwen Cozigou, European Commission, DG Enterprise and Industry - The potential of nanomaterials to create growth and jobs [33 KB] – [Hyperlink to speech (20:12 – 31:00)]

Gernot Klotz, CEFIC - Nanomaterials as a key enabling technology [132 KB] – [Hyperlink to speech (31:45 – 43:41)]

Eric Poudelet, European Commission, DG Health and Consumers - Assessment of nanomaterials in food, health and consumer products [146 KB] – [Hyperlink to speech (44:25 – 61:03)]

Wim de Jong, SCENIHR, Vice-Chairman - SCENIHR´s opinions on nanomaterials [344 KB] – [Hyperlink to speech (61:55 – 78:23)]

Kenneth Dawson, University College Dublin, Ireland - How hazardous are nanomaterials? [3 MB] – [Hyperlink to speech (78:51 – 92:06)]

Discussion on Session 1 - [Hyperlink (92:10 – 107:56)]

Session 2: The Policy Response

Bjorn Hansen, European Commission, DG Environment - The main conclusions of the Second Regulatory Review [315 KB] – [Hyperlink to speech (133:58 – 147:00)]

Armindo Silva, European Commission, DG Employment - Worker protection legislation and nanomaterials [32 KB] - [Hyperlink to speech (147:44 – 156:34)]

Satu Hassi, Member of the European Parliament - Initial reactions and planning in the Parliament [65 KB] - [Hyperlink to speech (158:13 – 172:22)]

John Newham, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ireland - Planned follow-up to the Second Regulatory Review by the Irish Presidency [200 KB] - [Hyperlink to speech (173:01 – 181:35)]

Steffi Friedrichs, Nanotechnology Industries Association - Why is existing regulation sufficient to ensure safe use of nanomaterials and what can industry do to generate trust? [3 MB] - [Hyperlink to speech (242:48 – 257:22)]

Vito Buonsante, EEB/ClientEarth - Is there a need for more regulation on nanomaterials and why do we need to treat nanomaterials differently from other chemicals? [43 KB] - [Hyperlink to speech (258:10 – 267:25)]

Session 3: Panel Discussion on the Policy Response

Panel Discussion moderated by Philippa Jones, Chemical Watch: What can the European Union do to fully use the innovation potential of nanomaterials while ensuring their safety? - [Hyperlink to speech (268:45 – 340:28)]

Panellists:
Bjorn Hansen, European Commission, DG Environment
Gwen Cozigou, European Commission, DG Enterprise and Industry
Dick Jung, Deputy Director Safety and Risks of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Netherlands
Peter Smith, CEFIC
Steffi Friedrichs, Nanotechnology Industries Association
Vito Buonsante, EEB/ClientEarth
Aida Ponce, ETUC

Session 4: Further Development of the Knowledge Base

Herbert von Bose, European Commission, DG Research and Innovation - Fostering safe and responsible nanotechnology innovation and supporting science-based regulation [719 KB] - [Hyperlink to speech (364:52 – 380:10)]

Krzysztof Maruszewski, European Commission, Joint Research Centre - Addressing needs for information on nanomaterials [265 KB] – Due to a technical problem, the video of this speech is not available

Otto Linher, European Commission, DG Enterprise and Industry - The Commission’s plans for an impact assessment on the most adequate means to increase transparency [29 KB] – Due to a technical problem, the video of this speech is not available

Catherine Mir, Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, France - What are the objectives and impacts of the planned nanomaterial registry in France? [197 KB] - [Hyperlink to speech (392:48 – 410:02)]

Franz Fiala, ANEC - What information do consumers need? [927 KB] - [Hyperlink to speech (410:02 - 423:52)]

Florian Schellauf, Cosmetics Europe – The view of the cosmetics industry on nanomaterial registries [234 KB] - [Hyperlink to speech (424:19 – 434:55)]

Discussion on Session 4 - [Hyperlink (435:00 – 451:30)]

Closure

Fabrizia Benini, European Commission, Member of Cabinet of Vice-President Tajani [33 KB] – [Hyperlink to speech (452:00 – 462:56)]

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¹ Resolution European Parliament on Regulatory Aspects of Nanomaterials (2008/2208(INI), 24.4.2009)
² Opinion European Economic and Social Committee; INT/456 of 25.2.2009, Nanomaterials
³ Conclusions on “improving environmental policy instruments” of 20 December 2010

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Conference on REACH & CLP* Enforcement, 1 March 2012, Brussels

The Conference, organised by the European Commission, gathered authorities and stakeholders from all REACH and CLP sectors.

Enforcement and competent authorities, companies – particularly small and medium enterprises (SME) -, industry associations, workers associations, non-governmental organisations (NGO), importers and only representatives (OR) and non-EU country representatives were invited to discuss how REACH and CLP are being enforced in the EU. Enforcement helps to achieve the objectives of these regulations and fosters an equal playing field for companies on the EU market.

The Conference focused on enforcement activities and on identifying good practices from both Member States’ authorities and stakeholders. Members of ECHA’s Forum (the Member State enforcement authorities’ network) presented their activities. More information about Forum activities.

The agenda [95 KB]

The video recording of the conference is divided into four separate parts.

 

Presentation slides and panel

Setting the scene for REACH&CLP enforcement

European Commission's view of REACH and CLP enforcement - Fulvia Raffaelli (DG ENTR) [119 KB]

Enforcement in Germany - Katja vom Hofe (DE) [405 KB]

Enforcement in Cyprus - Tasoula Kyprianidou–Leontidou (CY) [978 KB]

Forum activities and European Commission studies

General presentation - Eugen Anwander (AT) [555 KB]

European enforcement project 1 and interlinks - Mihaiela Emilia Albulescu (RO) [423 KB]

European enforcement project 2 - Nikolay Stanimirov Savov (BG) [202 KB]

European Commission’s enforcement studies - Bartlomiej Balcerzyk (DG ENV) [200 KB]

Enforcement experiences from Stakeholders

Experiences with REACH and CLP enforcement in the chemical sector - Sandor Zuurendonk (Cefic/Ashland) [399 KB]

REACH survey on consumers' rights - Sylvia Maurer (BEUC) [214 KB]

Inspection experience in the smelting industry - Bernd Friede (Elkem) [312 KB]

Looking ahead (panel discussion)

Expectations on enforcement (video recording, choose part IV)

*REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
CLP: Classification, labelling and packaging of substances or mixtures

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Workshop on Competitiveness, Innovation and REACH, 6 December 2011, Brussels

DG Enterprise and Industry, in collaboration with DG Environment, hosted this stakeholders' workshop on the impact of the REACH regulation on the competitiveness and innovativeness of the EU chemical industry.

The workshop gathered more than 100 participants from the chemical sector, authorities and NGOs to discuss the findings of two studies launched by the Commission.

These studies were launched to assess the impact of the REACH regulation on the functioning of the single market, the competitiveness and ability to innovate of the EU chemical sector. They were prepared within the framework of the reporting and review obligations prescribed in the REACH regulation and the Commission decision to launch a broader review (taking into account the experiences acquired from the first years of implementation, with particular interest to costs and innovations).

The agenda [742 KB]

Presentation slides

Introduction

Ms Raffaelli (DG ENTR, European Commission) [518 KB]

Session on Competitiveness

Study findings – Mr Tsamis (CSES) [910 KB]

Feedback – Mr Annys (CEFIC) [127 KB]

Feedback – Mr Fischer (UEAPME) [214 KB]

Feedback – Mr Waeterschoot (EUROMETAUX) [276 KB]

Session on Innovation

Study findings – Mr Smit (CSES) [538 KB]

Feedback – Mr Annys (CEFIC) [127 KB]

Feedback – Ms Telcs (ORGALIME) [294 KB]

Feedback – Mr Freunscht (UNILEVER) [270 KB]

Feedback – Ms Gilbert (GAIA) [605 KB]

Summary

Conclussions – Mr Smit (CSES) [274 KB]

Next Steps – Mr Kubicki (DG ENTR, European Commission) [356 KB]

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REACH Registration Conference: What did we achieve in 2010 – how can we ease the way for 2013, 23 September 2011, Brussels

Organised by the European Commission and ECHA, the conference aimed to assess what we learnt during the 2010 registration procedure, both in terms of early results of the REACH regulation and in terms of the process. The conference highlighted what went well and where improvements are needed to ease the way for the 2013 registration deadline.

All REACH stakeholders such as authorities, industry associations, workers associations, NGO's, non-EU countries were invited to attend. For more information: www.euconf.eu/reach

The closing date for registrations was 9 September 2011.

The event was webstreamed and it was interpreted into EN, FR, DE, ES, IT, and PL.

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Workshop on "Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its ammonium salt - Production, use and risk", 4 May 2010, Brussels

The aim of this workshop was to share with the Member States and the other stakeholders the results of a study finalised in January 2010 and of other ongoing activities on PFOA and its ammonium salt.

The morning session was focusing mainly on the results obtained so far on the ongoing studies on the hazard and risk assessment of PFOA.

The afternoon session was twofold: the first part focused on the use of PFOA during the fluoropolymerization process, in photographic application, and in articles; the second part focused on activities at OECD level and on the regulatory possibilities to address the identified concerns.

Workshop agenda [17 KB]

Presentation slides:

• Study on Analysis of the risks arising from the industrial use of PFOA/APFO and from their use in consumer articles [5 MB] - Femke Affourtit (RPS)
• Critical Appraisal on DNEL Derivation on PFOA [458 KB] - Ulrike Bernauer (BfR)
• In vitro toxicological characterisation of PFOA and homologous substances with variant carbon chain length [685 KB] - Thorsten Buhrke (BfR)
• OECD activities on Perfluorinated chemicals [145 KB] - Bob Diderich (OECD)
• Monitoring results on PFOA in Arctic marine top predators with focus on polar bears [2 MB] - Rune Dietz (NERI)
• Use of PFOA in critical photographic applications [510 KB] - Eddy Michiels (I&P Europe)
• Analytical method for PFOA (and higher homologues) in articles - challenges and current status [83 KB] - Stefan Posner (Swerea IVF)
• Global risks for health and environment – what the EU could do [9 MB] - Ninja Reineke (WWF)
• PFOA - possible sources and regulatory needs [3 MB] - Christoph Schulte (FEA)
• Fluoropolymer Production and the use of Processing Aids [391 KB] - Eric van Wely (PlasticsEurope)

Main workshop conclusions [17 KB]

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Joint CASG Nano and ENPRA Workshop on Early Harvest of Research Results on Nanosafety, 14-15 April 2010, JRC, Ispra, Italy

The aim of the CASG Nano Workshop was to facilitate discussion between regulators and researchers on the early harvest results relevant to the REACH Implementation Projects on Nanomaterials (RIPoNs) on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment.

The workshop was organised by the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission in Ispra together with DG Enterprise and Industry and the ENPRA project on Risk Assessment of Engineered Nanoparticles of the 7th Framework Programme of Research and Development.

The programme with links to the presentations .

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REACH - WORKSHOP FOR LEAD REGISTRANTS, 11 September 2009, Brussels

The European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) organised a "Lead Registrant Workshop" on 11 September in Brussels. This workshop specifically aimed at promoting means that will assist Lead Registrants in their activities related to Substance Information Exchange Fora (SIEFs).

Topics discussed in the workshop covered:

• best practices in establishing and managing SIEFs;
• the preparation of registration dossiers;
• specific feedback on information requirements.

The workshop was organised in the framework of a wider SIEF awareness campaign which was developed to encourage a faster pace of SIEFs establishment in order to meet the first registration deadline under REACH (30 November 2010).

Workshop agenda [297 KB]

Webstreaming of the Conference

A video recording of the presentations is available through webstreaming.

Your settings for the webstreaming can be tested by clicking "Test your system" on the top of the page.

Presentation slides:

• What to bear in mind when becoming a Lead registrant (LR) - a practical check-list [169 KB] - U. Wolfmeier (Clariant)
• How to manage a SIEF with thousands of members / making best use of consortia within a SIEF
  • C. Money (Lower olefins and aromatics, LOA Consortium) [1004 KB]
  • H. Waeterschoot (Euronickel) [3 MB]
• Handling the sameness of Substance Identity [417 KB] - V. Girardi (ReachCentrum)
• Effective communication in (small) SIEFs where there is no consortia [105 KB] - J. Schuller (Eastman)
• Bringing participants of extremely large SIEFs together: solutions for petroleum substances [514 KB] - L. Kistenbruegger (Concawe)
• Dealing with members with of many different nationalities and with different languages / Using national networks [2 MB] - M-E. Anta (FEIQUE)
• Sorting out legal issues incl. Lead Registrant liabilities / responsibility, how to organise payments, etc. [841 KB] - C. de Catelle (ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical)
• Dealing with Only Representatives / SIEF without an EU manufacturer [182 KB] - D. Drohmann (Only Representative Organisation -ORO)
• Frequent challenges observed in SIEF [261 KB] - G. Hilgers (Procter & Gamble)
• Further activities to support Lead Registrants – the SIEF Awareness Campaign [2 MB] - L. Jackson (ECHA Communications)
• Conclusions [46 KB] - G. DANCET (Executive Director, European Chemicals Agency)

More information about the nomination as Lead Registrant is available on the website of ECHA.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the conference slides and videos are purely those of the presenters and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. The European Commission cannot give a binding interpretation of Community legislation, as this is the prerogative of the European Court of Justice.

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Conference on EU and world-wide rules for classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals, 17 June 2009, Brussels

EU Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) of Substances and Mixtures based on the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS)

Organised by the European Commission

Getting ready for CLP-Regulation based on the GHS

The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers adopted the new Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures ("CLP") which aligns existing EU legislation to the United Nations Globally Harmonised System (GHS) on December 2008.

This new Regulation contributes to the GHS aim that the same hazards will be described and labelled in the same way all around the world. Using internationally agreed classification criteria and labelling elements, will facilitate trade and contribute towards global efforts to protect humans and the environment from hazardous effects of chemicals. The new act will complement the REACH Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.

The Conference

The conference aimed to inform authorities, industry and other stakeholders about the new provisions for classification, labelling and packaging in the EU, placing them in the global context of GHS. It explained the main features of the new legislation, focusing on practical aspects. It provided up-to-date information on the CLP guidance documents and tools.

Conference agenda [588 KB]

Webstreaming of the Conference

A video recording of the presentations is available through webstreaming.

Your settings for the webstreaming can be tested by clicking "Test your system" on the top of the page.

Presentation slides:

• The main features of the CLP Regulation [3 MB] - Uta Jensen-Korte, Enterprise and Industry DG
• ECHA preparation for CLP [242 KB] - Gabriele Schöning, ECHA
• Shaping future developments at the UN level [588 KB] - Robin Foster, HSE, UK
• C&L Physical hazards [2 MB] - Cordula Wilrich, BAM, DE
• C&L Human Health Hazards [270 KB] - Thomas Gebel, BAUA, DE
• C&L Environmental Hazards [668 KB] - Jonas Falck, KEMI, SE
• Guidance to Annex VII and other issues related to the CLP guidance document [166 KB] - Elisabet Berggren, Joint Research Centre
• Example: BG Chemie tool to convert existing C&L to CLP [3 MB] - Antje Ermer, BG Chemie, DE
• Labelling and packaging - challenges to be faced
  • Selection of Precautionary Statements [149 KB] - Karin Merkl, Industry
  • Labelling - What does the legal text require [279 KB] - Phil Todd, Industry
  • Labelling - Practical examples [2 MB] - Paul Keymolen, Industry
• The CLP Regulation and future implementation for downstream legislation
  • State of play on workers health and safety legislation [475 KB] - Alick Morris, Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities DG
  • State of play under Seveso [461 KB] - Tobias Biermann, Environment DG
• How does industry prepare for CLP and the global implementation of the GHS [2 MB] - Sue Hubbard, Industry

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the conference slides and videos are purely those of the presenters and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. The European Commission cannot give a binding interpretation of Community legislation, as this is the prerogative of the European Court of Justice.

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European Chemicals Agency First Stakeholder Day, 10 October 2008, Helsinki

The European Chemicals Agency organised its first Stakeholder Day in co-operation with the European Commission, in Helsinki, Finland, on 10 October 2008.

The presentations are available from ECHA.

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REACH Workshop - Final countdown to pre-registration and registration of chemicals, 14 April 2008, Brussels

Organised by the European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency

REACH: "no data, no market"

Under REACH, the new chemicals regulation of the European Union, companies must pre-register most of their chemical substances between 1 June and 1 December 2008.

If a manufacturer or importer of a chemical fails to pre-register by 1 December 2008 he cannot continue manufacturing or importing it until he has submitted a full REACH registration dossier.

Users of chemicals cannot continue using substances which have not been pre-registered or registered by their supplier.

The workshop

The workshop aimed to alert companies that they should not miss the pre-registration "window". It explained the key elements of pre-registration and registration under REACH, focusing on practical aspects for companies to comply. It also provided up-to-date information on the REACH guidance documents and tools to support companies, and discussed what is done or can be done to raise awareness of these topics.

Workshop agenda [30 KB] and flyer [92 KB] .

Presentation slides

• Heinz Zourek, Enterprise and Industry DG - Welcome & opening (no slides)
• D. Grant Lawrence, Environment DG - Priority tasks for industry [86 KB]
• Joachim Kreysa, ECHA - Overview of REACH guidance [273 KB]
• Otto Linher, Enterprise and Industry DG - (Pre-)registration : Basics [108 KB]
• Discussion (no slides)
• Helena Huttunen, ECHA - Pre-registration in practice [916 KB]
• Petteri Mäkelä, ECHA - Pre-registration awareness [2 MB]
• Helene Findenegg, BAuA - What do Member States do to inform companies about their tasks? [2 MB]
• Watze de Wolf, CEFIC - How does industry prepare for pre-registration? [2 MB]
• Discussion (no slides)
• Hendrik Abma, FECC - From pre-registration to joint submission [189 KB]
• Jack Wille, CEFIC - SIEF- IT system [289 KB]
• Discussion (no slides)
• Geneviève Hilgers and Sylvie Lemoine, AISE - What should downstream users do now? [272 KB]
• Discussion (no slides)
• Christel Musset, ECHA - Registration and notification in practice [2 MB]
• Frans Christensen, Joint Research Center - Guidance on information requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment [342 KB]
• Jan Wilmer, Dow Europe - Industry preparation for registration [165 KB]
• Discussion (no slides)
• Geert Dancet, ECHA - Closing statement from the European Chemicals Agency (no slides)

Press Releases

• REACH: Industry urged to pre-register all chemicals by 1 December 2008
• REACH Pre-registration & Registration - Questions and Answers

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the workshop slides and videos are purely those of the presenters and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. The European Commission cannot give a binding interpretation of Community legislation, as this is the prerogative of the European Court of Justice.

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"R" in REACH Workshop - Who has to fulfil what and when, 21 June 2007, Bonn

Workshop to launch the REACH guidance and tools for pre-registration, data sharing and registration

About the workshop

The "R in REACH" workshop aimed to explain and discuss key aspects of pre-registration and registration of chemical substances. The seminar provided the participants with practical information for their REACH compliance, as a starting point for those associations and companies who have not participated in the REACH Implementation projects or other REACH preparatory activities.

The seminar was organised by the German Presidency in collaboration with the European Commission.

The workshop was addressed to public authorities, chemical manufacturers and importers, downstream users, in particular small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and other actors involved in the implementation of REACH.

Workshop agenda [31 KB]

Workshop presentations

• Uwe Lahl - Welcome and Opening [12 KB]
• Patrick Hennessy - Opening of the « R » in REACH [38 KB]
• Björn Hansen - REACH has been adopted - what comes next [79 KB]
• Jack de Bruijn - Overview of REACH Guidance [2 MB]
• Mike Rasenberg - From Pre-Registration to SIEF Formation [2 MB]
• Otto Linher - Substance Information Exchange Forum (SIEF) [106 KB]
• Watze de Wolf - Pre-Registration and data sharing [246 KB]
• Peter van der Zandt - Registration [241 KB]
• Andrea Paetz - IUCLID5 and Chemical Safety Report tool [2 MB]
• Andreas Ahrens - Insights from the Arona network on exposure scenarios [82 KB]
• Frank Wangemann - Communication in the supply chain [365 KB]
• Majella Cosgrave - Member State Helpdesk - the Irish Approach [500 KB]
• Doris Thiemann - REACH-Helpdesk support via the Agency [49 KB]
• Geert Dancet - Closing statement from the European Chemicals Agency [24 KB]
• Workshop Documentation [6 MB]

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the workshop slides are purely those of the presenters and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the European Commission. The European Commission cannot give a binding interpretation of Community legislation, as this is the prerogative of the European Court of Justice.