Chemicals

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Briefings in English - 2010

Nanotechnologies may involve the manipulation of materials on a tiny scale, but industry and governments agree that they have the potential to deliver massive economic and social benefits.The challenge now for businesses and regulators alike is to exploit the opportunities presented by these technologies in a way that is both safe and sustainable. This briefing looks at existing regulation and government strategies in the EU, which aim to shape a nano-enabled future. (June 2010)

Briefings in English - 2009

China is overhauling its existing regime for the notification of new chemical substances to make it more like the EU’s REACH regime. The regime only applies to novel substances – ie those not already listed on China’s chemicals inventory – so it will not immediately have a direct effect on all companies in the sector. However, this is unlikely to mark the end of China’s efforts to strengthen its chemical safety regime and regulatory trends in such an important market will no doubt be watched with interest by all chemical companies. This briefing examines the new proposals and the challenges they pose, and offers practical suggestions on preparing for compliance.

Briefings in English - 2008

Carbon Crush: The European Commission's proposal to amend the Emissions Trading Scheme may mean the chemical industry has to pay too high a price. By Jonathan Isted and Sharon Long Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. (14-20 July 2008)

Briefings in English - 2005

This briefing considers some of the possible legal risks inherent in the new chemicals regulatory regime, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), for both the chemicals industry and downstream manufacturers. We also suggest steps that can be taken now to limit possible future exposure. (October 2005)

Briefings in English - 2004

An EU-wide emissions trading scheme will come into force on 1 January 2005. The UK government's draft plan for the allocation of emissions to national installations under this scheme raises many legal, commercial and political issues, has already caused significant controversy and is likely to give rise to legal challenge in the months ahead. This briefing highlights some of the most significant issues in the current draft plan. (February 2004)

Briefings in French - 2004

L'impact de la proposition de règlement communautaire concernant l'enregistrement, l'évaluation et l'autorisation des substances chimiques, ainsi que les restrictions applicables à ces substances (REACH) ne concerne pas seulement l'industrie chimique mais également, en aval, tous les utilisateurs de produits contenant des produits chimiques ou fabriqués à partir de ceux-ci. (Octobre 2004)

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