EBFRIP calls for consistent approach to chemicals' evaluation in EU RoHS proposal
However, the Commission proposal falls short of achieving scientific and regulatory consistency. Specifically, the proposal contradicts the EU’s own existing chemicals policy by restricting use of the flame retardant Deca-BDE, despite an EU risk assessment concluding there is no need for any such restriction.
Moreover, according to the European Brominated Flame Retardant Industry Panel (EBFRIP), the Commission has chosen to ignore widespread calls from industry to enact a single process for evaluating substances used in electrical and electronic products. By failing to act, the Commission has missed an opportunity to ensure that EU rules on electrical and electronic equipment are based on science and to avoid potential discrimination under trade rules.
EBFRIP will be looking to the European Parliament and the Council to address this inconsistency during their consideration of the Commission proposal in 2009-2010.
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