EU Regulation 649/2012 implements rules on international trade in hazardous chemicals. It aims to prevent unwanted imports and ensure that information on hazards, risks and safe handling is always provided when hazardous chemicals are exported.
This initiative updates 2 lists of chemicals in the Regulation:
Those subject to export restrictions (Annex I) – adding some pesticides that are banned in the EU.
Those that cannot be exported (Annex V) – adding some pollutants and mercury products.
Pursuant to Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 concerning the export and import of hazardous chemicals, at least once a year the Commission is required to review, on the basis of developments in Union law and under the Convention, the list of chemicals in Annex I to that Regulation. Since the last review of Annex I, a number of regulatory actions in respect of certain chemicals have been taken under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market. In addition, the legal requirements under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal products, Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH), Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants and Regulation (EU) No 2017/852 on mercury have been taken into account. At the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, held in Geneva from 29 April to 10 May 2019, decisions were taken to include further chemicals in Annex A to the Convention.
In addition, Article 14(2) of Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 requires the Commission to revise the classification in the European Union’s Combined Nomenclature of chemicals listed in Annex I in the light of any changes made in the World Customs Organisation’s Harmonised System Nomenclature or in the European Union’s Combined Nomenclature for the chemicals concerned.
The consultation period ends on 16 November 2021. Click here for the document.
European Commission October 2021