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

The European Union’s largest-ever initiative to ban toxic chemicals has faced significant delays, with green groups criticizing the European Commission for obstructing its own regulatory roadmap. Four years after launching a plan to phase out 22 groups of hazardous substances, the Commission has yet to begin regulating seven of these groups and has stalled progress on another seven. According to a recent report, these delays have resulted in nearly 100,000 tonnes of additional chemical pollution from just six of the targeted substance groups, including harmful compounds found in children’s nappies and persistent “forever chemicals” in everyday products. The Commission’s “restrictions roadmap,” introduced in April 2022, was initially praised as a major step toward reducing toxic chemical exposure across Europe. However, the report highlights that the Commission has repeatedly missed legal deadlines mandated under the EU’s Reach chemical regulation framework, with delays ranging from 13 to 47 months and averaging two years. Lead in ammunition and fishing tackle alone accounted for the majority of pollution attributed to these delays, releasing an estimated 44,000 tonnes of lead annually into the environment. Other substances awaiting regulation include calcium cyanamide, linked to carcinogen spread, and bioaccumulating flame retardants used in vehicles. Despite these setbacks, some restrictions have been successfully implemented, such as limits on PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam, lead in PVC plastics, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) used in clay pigeon shooting. The EU has historically been a global leader in chemical safety, enacting some of the strictest controls on hazardous substances. The roadmap was intended to accelerate this progress by targeting broad categories of dangerous chemicals rather than individual substances, aiming for a more comprehensive detoxification of the European market. Environmental advocates warn that the ongoing delays undermine public health and environmental protection goals, with ClientEarth’s Hélène Duguy describing the situation as “extremely frustrating.” The failure to meet regulatory deadlines not only prolongs exposure to harmful chemicals but also contradicts the EU’s commitment to safer, cleaner products. The report calls for urgent action to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and enforce the planned restrictions to prevent further chemical pollution and safeguard human health.