Non-food legislation – June 2024

Hazardous substances – Rules and regulations in the EU
The Council has adopted its mandate for the forthcoming negotiations with the EP on the so-called ‘one substance one assessment’ (OSOA) package. The aim is to improve assessments and strengthen knowledge of chemicals across the EU. The Council has also adopted its negotiating mandate on the detergents regulation. The revised regulation updates the requirements and labelling of these products. It also introduces digital labelling and product passports. ECHA has announced a new release of the IUCLID software. The update reflects the amended CLP Regulation. FPF reports that in May 2024, a report (502 kB) was published summarising conclusions from the first EC workshop on “strengthening the role of substitution planning in the context of REACH and other EU chemicals legislation”. ECHA has published Key areas of regulatory challenge 2024 (7.75 MB). The report gives information on the areas where scientific research is needed to protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals. ECHA’s annual report (1.57 MB) shows that ECHA screened around 1380 substances in 61 groups in 2023 and identified that 320 may be considered for risk management actions. JRC has published Safe and Sustainable by Design chemicals and materials - Methodological Guidance (4.22 MB). Cefic has published its fifth progress report (1.28 MB) on the implementation of its voluntary action plan for improving the safety data within REACH registration dossiers. In a recent report (1.36 MB), ClientEarth, EEB, ZWE and HCWC analyse a 2023 ECHA report (1.22 MB) concerning PVC and the danger this plastic and its additives pose. According to these NGOs, PVC’s characteristics fall exactly within the scope of what should be restricted under REACH.

Hazardous substances – Rules and regulations outside the EU
Ukraine: SGS reports that the government has approved the nation’s technical regulation for the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. US: EPA has finalised a ban on most uses of methylene chloride. SGS reports that the government has introduced H.R. 8074 (384 kB) phasing out all non-essential uses of PFAS in ten years. OSHA has updated the Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets. California: Keller and Heckman reports on two new bills to restrict the use of PFAS. The Reducing Toxics in Packaging Act, AB 2761, would ban plastic packaging containing PFAS or PVC, inclusive of PVDC. SB 903, would ban any product containing intentionally added PFAS.

EU: Medical devices
In January 2024, the EC proposed giving companies more time to apply the regulations for medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR) to ensure that these devices are available to patients whenever they need them. On 30 May, the Council approved the measures.

NL: Neutral packaging for vapes and cigars
Since 2020, cigarettes and rolling tobacco have had to be sold in neutral packaging. The government (in Dutch) reports that this will now also apply to electronic vapour products (also known as electronic cigarettes or vapes) and cigars.

Cannabis packaging in Canada
The government has opened a consultation on amending the regulations for cannabis. The amendments include simplifying the packaging requirements.
 

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