European Commission Updates Environmental Newsletter Archive

Developments in the use of new technologies, e.g., induction hobs and wireless charging, require updates to the assessment of how exposure to electromagnetic fields might impact our health, as well as the scientific guidelines that underpin restrictions and reference levels. In October 2023, following a request from the European Commission, the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER)…

As a step to protect the environment, the European Commission have announced it's proposal for a regulation to control emissions of microplastics from plastic pellets to reduce microplastics pollution. The proposed regulation can be found here.

MEPs Glück, Niebler, Liese and Doleschal tabled a written question to the Commission regarding the U-PFAS restriction proposal pointing to the need of sufficiently broad derogations for critical sectors, including medical devices. On behalf of the Commission, Commissioner Breton have provided a written response that the Commission will consider making derogations from the envisaged restriction for critical uses of PFAS…

The European Commission announced plans to delay key aspects of its Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD), including the adoption of requirements for companies to provide sector-specific sustainability disclosures and for sustainability reporting from companies outside of the EU. According to the proposal, the postponement of each of these rules will fulfil objectives including allowing companies to focus on the implementation…

ECHA have published an assessment of regulatory needs list. This list includes substances for which an assessment either is under development or has been completed. The table includes potential candidate substances requiring evaluation as potential substances of very high concern. More information on this can be found here.

ECHA carried out two campaigns over the last 2 years to remind companies of their obligation to keep their REACH registrations up to date. 57 registrations are in breach of the update requirements under REACH Article 22. These were reported to the national enforcement authorities for further action. More information on REACH registration enforcement activities with member states can be…