FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Nanotechnology
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Q: How does the Commission ensure that regulatory requirements cope with evolving nanotechnologies and/or nanomaterials?

A: EU legislation is drafted so that new technological developments can be taken into consideration. Implementation guidance and standards will be reviewed when a need to do so emerges from new data that has become available. Agencies and national authorities in charge of implementing legislation monitor the market (e.g. via pre-market control, pre-market notification or market surveillance) and will use Community market intervention mechanisms if risks are identified for products already on the market.

Commission working groups that coordinate the implementation of legislation examine the potential need for change as regards specific regulatory aspects as applications evolve and new scientific knowledge becomes available. They will take into consideration work that has been carried out in this respect at national and international level.