EU’s green focus: How will revising REACH affect industry?

When the European Union’s regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) entered into force in 2007, it was described as one of the world’s strictest, most ambitious and complex legislations.

Today, given the increasing political pressure emanating from the Green Deal and European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen’s promise to protect our shared environment, EU chemical policy is slated for a big overhaul, potentially also including a revision of REACH. Industry would be wise to prepare for changes in the aim and scope of REACH, as well as modifications in the way chemicals are registered, evaluated and authorized.

The discussion will focus on the politics, technicalities and possible future scenarios. We have three main sections: 
 
1. Likelihood of REACH being reopened
Exploring the state-of-play, explaining why politicians have been hesitant to reopen REACH, and why 2020 will be different. Current events that have triggered a shift are, among others, the Green Deal, the Swedish court case, and the Sustainable Chemicals Strategy 2030.
    
2. What to expect If REACH is reopened
Delving into the “what if” scenario, addressing the following questions: 

• In what way is REACH likely to be revised and to what end?
• Where do we expect future battle lines to be drawn?
• Is there a timeline?

3. Industry recommendations, Q&A
Why and how should industry prepare for this eventuality? Followed by a Q&A session.