Towards a more comprehensive EU framework on endocrine disruptors

BEUC, The European Consumer Organisation welcomes the European Commission’s commitment to develop a “strategy to minimise exposure of EU citizens to endocrine disruptors.” Sufficient evidence links endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to a range of severe diseases and disorders. We urge the Commission to draw up an ambitious agenda on regulating EDCs in all consumer goods based on clear objectives and observable deadlines.

We recommend that the forthcoming strategy identifies actions to:

• Achieve an overarching EU framework on endocrine disruptors that will reduce human and environmental exposures.

• Clarify how an EU definition of endocrine disruptors can be incorporated in relevant EU laws. 

• Modernize risk assessment methods. 

• Make the presence of EDCs in consumer products more visible.

• Create synergies with the Commission’s Circular Economy action plan and the Plastics Strategy.

The Commission should convene a stakeholder platform to ensure systematic follow-up on actions set out in the strategy.