Topic analysis

Largest-ever ban on toxic chemicals in EU hit by ‘extremely frustrating’ delays

Four years after the European Commission introduced its landmark "restrictions roadmap"—billed as the largest-ever ban of toxic chemicals in the EU—a joint report by ClientEarth and the European Environmental Bureau documents severe delays in implementation. The report finds seven of 22 hazardous chemical groups have not started regulatory processes, seven more are effectively frozen, with unlawful delays leading to nearly 100,000 tonnes of additional pollution; green groups and scientists blame the Commission as the chief roadblock, citing administrative negligence and lack of political will under the EU’s REACH chemical regulations.