Europe's new chemicals regulations will be adopted around the world, lawmakers and businesses claimed yesterday as the European parliament agreed the landmark law after three years of negotiations.
The Strasbourg assembly approved the so-called Reach directive to register and control 30,000 substances that could harm human health or the environment, despite opposition from Green MEPs and pressure groups who claim it is too weak.
European business had warned of a loss of jobs but Günter Verheugen, the European industry commissioner, said: "We are setting standards worldwide. People will follow ours."
He said the law, expected to be rubber-stamped by member states on Monday, struck the right balance between business and people's health. It would enhance Europe's competitiveness by encouraging innovation and research into new materials. "We can protect the environment without losing jobs," he said.
From next year a chemicals agency in Helsinki will begin vetting the 1,500 most dangerous substances, such as carcinogens and hormone disruptors. Companies must show they can adequately control them.
Industry welcomed the compromise deal and said countries in Asia were already looking at adopting similar norms.
However, the Greens said a loophole would allow highly toxic substances to be imported into Europe if they made up less than 0.1 per cent of a product.
Charles LaRoche, of Unilever, the consumer products group, said the mere identification of dangerous substances would lead to consumer pressure for their replacement. He said companies such as his, which had direct contact with the public, would work with chemicals suppliers to find alternatives.
"The introduction of a minimum standard also helps innovative companies like ours who are already developing new products. There are always those who lag behind and save money. This will stop the free riders," he said.
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