A new report from Indiana University supplies a close examination of the European Union's reformed chemicals law REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), which went into effect in 2006.
After reviewing data and interviewing key stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers and REACH experts, researchers from the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the IU European Union Center have released "Regulating Industrial Chemicals: Lessons for U.S. Policy Makers From the European Union's REACH Program."
While the report examines all areas of REACH, the primary focus is on the program's chemical registration process. Researchers have identified several aspects of the EU program that merit consideration by U.S. policymakers as well as areas that could be refined and modified to be more transparent, simplified and suitable for the U.S. context.
Highlights of the report indicate that a REACH-like system in the United States should focus on opportunities to reduce risks to human health and the environment. In addition, new legislation should provide clarification about critical standards, processes and tools while lessening unnecessary burdens on industry by allowing for mutual, cross-Atlantic recognition of registration dossiers.
For more information, visit http://www.indiana.edu.