Abstract
.As part of the EU Plastics Strategy, the European Commission has initiated the restriction process regarding intentionally added microplastics under REACH (acronym of the EU chemical regulation). A restriction dossier is compiled by ECHA according the provisions of REACH. Not only environmental and health risk assessments have to be made, but a large part of the dossier concerns socio-economic analyses and evaluations of risk management options, in order to justify a Union-wide restriction. The procedure reflects the multiple objectives of REACH: protection of human health and the environment, but also the functioning of the internal market. Although the precautionary principle is incorporated in REACH, it plays a less than subordinate role. The process of restriction offers interested parties the possibility to present information and evidence. For the restriction dossier on microplastics is of utmost importance that all available evidence is provided. When less data is available, restriction seems to be less likely.
Highlights
In November 2017, the European Commission requested the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) to prepare a restriction dossier on microplastics, thereby starting the restriction procedure under REACH, the European Unions (EU) chemicals regulation [1, 2]
1 Introduction In November 2017, the European Commission requested the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) to prepare a restriction dossier on microplastics, thereby starting the restriction procedure under REACH, the EU chemicals regulation [1, 2]. This decision follows the conclusion of a study on intentionally added microplastics, which was instigated by the request of several Member States and commissioned in 2015 (EC Report on Microplastics) [3]
Annex G in the Annexes part refers to stakeholder contacts, and the methods employed, ranging from calls for evidence to direct consultation and participation in meetings. This pertains to informal consultation, as the formal consultation starts after the submission of the restriction dossier
Summary
In November 2017, the European Commission requested the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) to prepare a restriction dossier on microplastics, thereby starting the restriction procedure under REACH, the EU chemicals regulation [1, 2]. This decision follows the conclusion of a study on intentionally added microplastics, which was instigated by the request of several Member States and commissioned in 2015 (EC Report on Microplastics) [3]. Scientific studies are extensively used for compiling the restriction dossier It points out the interaction between policy making and science: without scientific evidence no restriction in REACH can be adopted. As the article establishes, the final decision remains in political hands
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