The incompatible chemistry between the EU and the US - BEUC Position on Chemicals in TTIP

Harmful chemicals are found in many products consumers come in very close, frequent and prolonged contact with. Examples are clothes, kitchen tools, toys, cosmetics, and the list goes on. The EU has put in place the World’s most ambitious regime to control chemical risks and reduce exposure to dangerous substances. However, the nature and scope of the transatlantic trade deal could potentially weaken this protective safety net. Therefore, BEUC and its members closely follow the negotiations to ensure that TTIP under no circumstance will act to delay or undermine progress on reducing consumer exposure to toxic chemicals.

Key recommendations include:

1. Placing the health of people and the environment at centre stage;
2. Maintaining the highest safety and protection standards;
3. Encouraging management of chemicals based on hazard and promotes substitution of harmful chemicals with safer alternatives
4. Embracing precaution as the guiding principle to authorise regulatory action in the face of scientific uncertainty;
5. Allowing parties to adopt new initiatives aiming at improved safety;
6. Enabling robust regulation of new and emerging health risk;
7. Improving risk communication on chemicals and facilitates exchange of information on dangerous substances in consumer products;
8. Extending the legitimate right of consumers to be informed about the presence of harmful chemicals in products.