LONDON —The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) has questioned a new European Union proposal on a register for nanomaterials.
The London-based association published its response to the European Union Register Consultation on Nanomaterials on Aug. 7. It says it does not recognize a need for a register for nanomaterials, as they are similar to other chemical or substance forms for which Europe is already heavily regulated.
The CIA's Roger Pullin said: “Nanomaterials should be regarded as any other substance. In this context, as required by REACH for instance, data must be gathered by industry in order to perform risk assessments and ensure safe use of the products that are placed on the market.”
CIA states that asking for notification to a register for nanomaterials would create a burden on that specific industry producing, importing or using such substances when competing with other non-nanomaterial substances. It also says the cost may end up being shouldered by consumers leading to increased prices for value chains in the EU vs. non-EU markets.
“CIA believes that, as for any other chemical, consumer trust can be gained through good implementation of current European legislation provided that this is explained well to the public. We propose that the existing European Commission's Joint Research Centre web platform on nanomaterials be expanded to include information in the public domain for notifications of nanomaterials to all current regulatory schemes — this would help to increase transparency and bring reassurance to all stakeholders,” Pullin said.
CIA represents chemical and chemical-using companies in the United Kingdom.