A groundbreaking report from Stockholm University reveals key challenges in implementing the essential use concept under the EU's REACH regulation. The study identifies significant data gaps and recommends clearer guidelines for assessing whether harmful chemical uses are essential or non-essential.
Findings of the Report
Released on 1 November 2024, the study conducted by Flora Borchert and colleagues from Stockholm University examined 100 applications for authorisation involving substances of very high concern (SVHCs). The essential use concept, initially inspired by the Montreal Protocol, is designed to phase out non-essential uses of harmful substances to better protect health and the environment.
Key Insights
- Categorisation of Uses: The study found that 10% of the uses analysed were non-essential, while 55% were considered essential. However, 35% of cases fell into a "complex" category where essentiality could not be determined due to insufficient data.
- Common Substances: The most frequently analysed SVHCs included 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl) phenol (OPnEO) and chromium trioxide, which together represented 77% of the cases.
- Data Challenges: One major issue highlighted was the inadequate detail in applications, which impeded the identification of essential uses. Ambiguous criteria and broad end-use descriptions complicated the categorisation process.
Recommendations for Policy Change
The report recommends that the European Commission refine the essential use criteria and provide explicit guidance for applicants under REACH. This would ensure transparent and effective evaluation, aiding in the phase-out of harmful substances without compromising necessary industrial functions.
Expert Opinions
“The essential use concept is a critical tool for advancing chemical safety in Europe, but its implementation needs clearer definitions and more robust data,” said lead author Flora Borchert. The authors urge the integration of social and economic considerations in decision-making, highlighting the importance of aligning technical and societal needs.
The report serves as a call to action for the European Commission and regulatory bodies to enhance their methodologies and application processes for better protection of public health and environmental safety.
