European Commission Proposes Omnibus Regulation to Strengthen Chemical Legislation
The European Commission has presented a proposal for an “omnibus” regulation aimed at consolidating and modernising the legal framework for chemicals in the European Union. This initiative represents an important step in implementing the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the European Green Deal.
A Unified Framework for the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Until now, ECHA’s tasks were governed by several separate regulations, including REACH, CLP, Biocides (BPR), POPs, and PIC. This fragmentation led to increased complexity, longer processing times, and certain budgetary rigidities.
The omnibus regulation proposes to provide ECHA with a single, autonomous legal basis that integrates all its current and future tasks. This reform will enable clearer governance, more efficient operations, and greater consistency in chemical management.
Main Objectives
- Strengthen the protection of human health and the environment through robust and independent scientific assessments.
- Ensure greater administrative efficiency by simplifying governance and funding.
- Increase transparency and public trust through strengthened rules on publication and conflict-of-interest management.
- Promote innovation and competitiveness by providing companies with improved regulatory predictability.
Key Reforms
- Establishment of a single funding mechanism for ECHA, replacing multiple existing budget lines.
- Strengthening of the scientific committees (RAC, SEAC, BPC, SCCS) with increased participation from Member States.
- Expansion of ECHA’s remit to new sectors such as toys, packaging, medical devices, and setting limits for pollutants in waste.
- Introduction of a periodic performance evaluation system for the agency.
The reform is expected to reduce dossier review times, improve coherence across legislation, and enhance the scientific quality of decisions. It also aims to provide European citizens with greater assurance regarding the safety of products on the internal market.
The proposal will be examined by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.
The European Commission has presented a proposal for an “omnibus” regulation aimed at consolidating and modernising the legal framework for chemicals in the European Union. This initiative represents an important step in implementing the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the European Green Deal.
A Unified Framework for the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
Until now, ECHA’s tasks were governed by several separate regulations, including REACH, CLP, Biocides (BPR), POPs, and PIC. This fragmentation led to increased complexity, longer processing times, and certain budgetary rigidities.
The omnibus regulation proposes to provide ECHA with a single, autonomous legal basis that integrates all its current and future tasks. This reform will enable clearer governance, more efficient operations, and greater consistency in chemical management.
Main Objectives
- Strengthen the protection of human health and the environment through robust and independent scientific assessments.
- Ensure greater administrative efficiency by simplifying governance and funding.
- Increase transparency and public trust through strengthened rules on publication and conflict-of-interest management.
- Promote innovation and competitiveness by providing companies with improved regulatory predictability.
Key Reforms
- Establishment of a single funding mechanism for ECHA, replacing multiple existing budget lines.
- Strengthening of the scientific committees (RAC, SEAC, BPC, SCCS) with increased participation from Member States.
- Expansion of ECHA’s remit to new sectors such as toys, packaging, medical devices, and setting limits for pollutants in waste.
- Introduction of a periodic performance evaluation system for the agency.
The reform is expected to reduce dossier review times, improve coherence across legislation, and enhance the scientific quality of decisions. It also aims to provide European citizens with greater assurance regarding the safety of products on the internal market.
The proposal will be examined by the European Parliament and the Council under the ordinary legislative procedure.
