Within REACH: Toxic-free consumer lives

Product tests by consumer groups frequently find harmful and often illegal substances in everyday products, like childcare products or clothes. More than four in five Europeans are concerned about the impact of harmful chemicals on their health and the environment. Strengthening the EU’s main chemicals law, REACH is critical to prevent consumer exposure to harmful chemicals, ensure environmental protection, and promote a competitive EU chemical industry. This checklist presents BEUC’s recommendations for a stronger, modern REACH that places the needs of people and our planet centre stage.

Key recommendations include: 

• Enabling faster preventive action;
• Closing critical data gaps;
• Addressing chemicals' cocktail effect;
• Enhancing enforcement at the EU's borders and online;
• Reinforcing consumers' right to know.