Green Groups Slam EU: Pollution Controls Delayed

The European Commission's plan to ban hazardous chemicals faces severe criticism due to significant delays. Four years after launching a "restrictions roadmap" in April 2022, intended to be the largest chemical ban, progress has stalled. A report by ClientEarth and the European Environmental Bureau indicates that the Commission has failed to initiate regulations for seven of the 22 targeted hazardous substance groups and has "effectively frozen" efforts on seven others.

These delays have resulted in an estimated 98,000 tonnes of extra chemical pollution from six of the substance groups, with lead in ammunition and fishing tackle alone contributing significantly due to a 23-month delay. Legal obligations under EU chemical regulations, REACH, require the Commission to draft amendments within three months of expert opinions, but deadlines have been missed by an average of two years, ranging from 13 to 47 months.

While some restrictions, such as PFAS in firefighting foam and lead in PVC plastics, have been implemented, many proposed controls remain stalled. Experts describe the lack of political will and administrative negligence as "extremely frustrating." The Commission has not commented on the allegations of "unlawful delays" and has, in some cases, pursued alternative regulatory routes or delayed timelines for other chemical groups without explanation.