LOBBYING UPDATE
Lobbying update
The REACH process has continued, and the BCF has been busy working to protect key substances for our
members. You’ll read about TiO 2 and Brexit in a separate section, but BCF has also been kept busy on other
topics of concern for the industry.
ADCA
Azodicarbonamide (ADCA) is a key raw material for the wallcoverings
sector, with no suitable alternatives. The ADCA issue has been re-
opened, as the European Commission have re-initiated a discussion on
possibly classifying ADCA on Annex XIV (Authorisation as a SVHC).
The BCF were heavily involved in the ADCA issue some years back
when the SVHC proposal first came through, and lobbied the EU
Commission alongside then Labour MP Jack Straw.
Further discussions took place within the EU in December 2018 with
an update to the Comitology Register, listing the draft Authorisation
proposal for ADCA. A public consultation for stakeholder input is due
to open, and the BCF will respond and if necessary, mobilise politicians
and officials.
Microplastics
At UK and EU level, there has been a lot of work on legislating for
plastic. Notably, in the UK the focus here is on single-use plastics, such
as bottled water. Microplastics have also been on the radar, with the UK
Government consulting on their use in products, and restricting their
use in the likes of wash-off cosmetics.
The BCF responded to this consultation and worked closely with other
affected industries on devising messaging and strategy in response to
the Government’s proposed regulations.
Most recently, the EU proposed a restriction of microplastics. Two forms
of microplastic are of concern: The paint in its fluid form (e.g. washing
of brushes/rollers used with waterborne paint) and wear and tear
emission from coated surfaces – however, this second is not in scope at
present.
The new ECHA proposal, in a report published 30 January, has a very
broad definition of microplastic, and whilst film-forming polymers
are out-of-scope of the restriction, there would still be labelling and
reporting requirements. A six-month public consultation started in
March 2019, and the BCF are involved in the CEPE Microplastics
Taskforce, which is responding to the consultation.
Lead Chromates
The General Court of the EU ruled in March 2019 that the
Authorisation allowing the sale and use of lead chromate pigments for
certain purposes in the EU was illegal. Sweden brought the case to
court, arguing that “it was known to the Commission that the use of
lead chromates had been almost entirely phased out in several member
states and that plenty of alternatives to lead chromates are available”.
The Commission dismissed the challenge, only to face a second one
by four NGOs, which said the EU executive had “clear evidence”
showing the availability of alternatives but still granted the Authorisation.
The Court dismissed the Commission’s request for the effects of its
Authorisation decision to be maintained until it can conduct a review.
The BCF were cited three times in the judgement, having taken a public
position against continued use of lead chromates.
BCF talked to the suppliers who informed us that, whilst the ruling
meant that the Authorisation had been rescinded, ECHA may appeal.
The suppliers take this to mean that companies can carry on supplying
lead chromate-containing coatings until further notice. Affected
customers will be contacted to discuss the practical short-term and
longer-term implications of this decision.
The BCF is also aware of the potential effect on
other chromium VI compounds in the process
of an Authorisation decision and have issued a
‘bottom drawer’ statement for members pointing
out the differences between the two cases.
Chromium Trioxide
The European Parliament voted on the
Authorisation of Chromium Trioxide, which is used
is used in surface treatment of metals, giving high
levels of corrosion protection that are required
in (for example) aircraft components in extreme
conditions. The BCF wrote to 5 MEPs regarding
the vote, who all sit on the European Parliament’s
Environment Committee.
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BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2019/20