Local MEP Backs New Measures to
Crack Down on Dangerous Chemicals

Speaking following the vote on a new EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) Directive, Nirj Deva said:

"In the past three months, I have received more than 700 e-mails and letters from businesses and individuals regarding this issue.

“I and my colleagues in the Conservative delegation have played a leading role in making sure that the new rules governing chemicals – known as REACH - are a sensible package of measures which support the need for a strong, safer and competitive European chemicals industry while addressing the concerns people have about health and environmental issues.

“The REACH directive gives greater responsibility to industry to manage the risks from chemicals and to provide safety information on the substances.

“Manufacturers and importers will be required to gather information on the properties of their substances, which will help them manage them safely, and to register the information in a central database. A Chemicals Agency will act as the central point in the REACH system: it will run the databases necessary to operate the system, co-ordinate the in-depth evaluation and authorisation of suspicious chemicals, and run a public database in which consumers and professionals can find hazard information.

"We very much welcome the registration of the most dangerous chemicals, which we think is sensible and workable. I am passionate about ensuring a safer environment and better protection of human health - and I believe this legislation must provide that balance before it can be approved at second reading.”