CSES

CSES recently presented the results of its work on the two studies evaluating of the impact of the REACH Regulation on competitiveness and innovation of the chemicals' industry. The presentation took place during the "Workshop on competitiveness, innovation and REACH" organised by the Commission services on December 6th 2011 in Brussels. 

The workshop attracted a large number of stakeholders' from industry, the civic society and Member States representatives as well as the interest of the chemical sector press .  

The two studies, part of a broader number of studies conducted by the European Commission as part of the review of the REACH Regulation, considered the impacts of the Regulation to this point on the competitiveness of the European chemicals' industry and the broader operation of the European chemicals' market.

The first study examined all aspects of the implementation of the Regulation focusing on those elements that have an impact on the operation and the profitability of manufacturers and importers of chemical substances. It also considered the impact to all types of, so called, downstream users of chemicals substances that produce chemical preparations (e.g. paints, detergents, glues, construction chemicals etc), that used them in the production processes or integrate them in their products (e.g. textiles and non-woven fibres, machinery and all types of metal articles, toys) or end users. Other actors in the supply chain, such as distributors or firms from third countries were considered. 

The second study assessed the role of the REACH Regulation on the development of innovation in the chemicals' sector and the chemicals more generally. It examined the contribution of the different aspects of the Regulation on innovative activity as well as the possible obstacles created by its introduction.     

The two studies were based on extensive desk research but also on two pan-European business surveys with responces from firms from almost all European countries and with varying roles in the chemicals supply chain. 

While being at the very early stages of the implementation the study identified a few key areas that improvements or changes to the implementation of the Regulation could bring added value, reduce costs and contribute to the competitiveness of the industry and the operation of the chemicals' market. 

More information on the workshop including the presentations made by CSES and other stakeholders are available through the European Commission website.

The final report of the study is expected to be published in the coming months.