Further delays are expected to EU REACH revision (REACH 2.0)

Overview

The Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB) has adopted a negative opinion on the proposed REACH revision known as REACH 2.0. This opinion is based on the proposal having significant unaddressed risks for human health and the environment. These risks often come from missing information in dossiers, such as usage information, and a lack of enforcement in ensuring compliance with REACH regulations. It is also noted that the cost for compliance is burdensome to companies which does not align with the EU chemicals policy.

 

Identified problems

The RSB has identified 3 main areas requiring review:

  1. Significant risks for health and the environment from chemicals
    1. Information is missing on critical hazard classes
    2. Incomplete information on uses and exposure
    3. Unaddressed risks from polymers
    4. Information in the chemical safety assessment does not allow all risks to be addressed
  2. REACH regulatory processes and decision-making are not efficient
    1. New restrictions regulation is too slow
    2. The authorisation process is not efficient, slow and does not promote substitution
  3. Insufficient compliance with REACH requirements
    1. Registration dossiers are not compliant with REACH requirements
    2. Insufficiently consistent and effective enforcement in all Member States
    3. Non-compliance of imports with REACH, especially of online sales

What the report means for REACH 2.0

A consultation on the proposed changes was held earlier this year, with the approved update expected to be released by the end of 2025. Due to the negative opinion, it is now expected that the final proposal will be issued in 2026. The negative opinion does not mean that the expected update plan will change significantly. If the authors can demonstrate how the proposed changes address the concerns raised, the update could go ahead in the form that has already been shared.

Role of the Regulatory Scrutiny Board

The Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB) is an independent body within the European Commission. It provides a quality control role during the legislative process by reviewing and forming opinions and recommendations on draft legislative guidance. The final opinion can either be positive, positive with reservations or negative. A negative opinion does not prevent the legislation from moving forward but the Boards opinion is expected to be taken into account

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