MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Risk management by the Commission in connection with dangerous chemical substances – E-002241/2024

Question for written answer  E-002241/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
César Luena (S&D)

Following an own-initiative inquiry into how the Commission takes decisions on applications by firms for authorisation of specific uses of particularly dangerous chemical substances, the Ombudsman has found that there is a lack of transparency and public information about the REACH Committee’s deliberations and has come to the conclusion that systemic delays on the part of the Commission and its failure to comply with statutory time-limits in the decision-making process constitute maladministration.

According to the REACH Regulation, firms wishing to use chemical substances that are of ‘very high concern’ must apply for authorisation to the Commission, which, on average, takes 14 1/2 months to prepare draft decisions, though the statutory time-limit is three months. That delay represents ‘a threat to human health and the environment’ because firms can continue to use those substances during the authorisation process.

Accordingly:

• 1.What action will the Commission take as regards the transparency of REACH Committee meetings and the Commission’s internal mechanisms, which are the main causes of the delays?
• 2.How will the Commission ensure that any action to tackle delays guarantees a high level of protection of human health and the environment, which is the purpose of REACH?

Submitted: 23.10.2024