European Parliament adopts REACH chemical legislation
Today's European Parliament vote on REACH (the registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals) brings the implementation of the most complex piece of European environmental legislation ever devised a step closer.
Commenting on the political agreement, Steve Elliott, chief executive of the UK's Chemical Industry Association (CIA), said: "This has truly been a legislative marathon which now looks like entering into force in June 2007."
He said: "The package agreed today by the European Parliament represents the best chance for REACH to deliver on its original objective", but added that there were many practical issues still to be resolved.
The CIA has already set-up REACHReady, a subsidiary company established to help UK companies comply with REACH.