Industry faces costs as banned chemicals list tripled

Manufacturers and distributors across a broad range of industries, which place products on the EU market face ‘significant’ extra costs under EU proposals to nearly triple the number of banned chemicals.

There are currently six substances outlawed in the EU. However, the European Chemicals Agency has recommended to the EU Commission adding a further 13 chemical compounds to that list.

The list includes chemicals used in paint production, pigments, ceramics, glazes and metal processing. The compounds are: seven chromium compounds; five cobalt compounds; and the solvent trichloroethylene. All 13 substances are currently listed as ‘Substances of Very High Concern’. The bans could be in place within approximately two years.