Chemical compliance

Here is an update for September 2023. Check what’s new in chemical compliance regulations – we’ve got for you the most recent developments!

Chemicals in batteries: a move towards safer use
Online sales: an EU-wide enforcement project in 2024-2025
Upcoming chemical compliance events

Chemicals in batteries: move towards safer use

Following the recent revision of the EU regulation on batteries and waste batteries, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will be involved in identifying substances of concern found in batteries or used in their production, leading the preparation work on their potential restriction.

As the first step, ECHA will be involved in preparation of the Commission report on substances of concern in batteries, that have negative impact on human health, the environment or recycling for safe and high-quality raw materials. The work on the study will commence in 2024, with the final report expected by the end of 2027. 

With the overall aim of making batteries on the EU market more sustainable throughout their lifecycle, authorities will then look into potentially restricting harmful substances in batteries and waste batteries.

More information on the Batteries Regulation and safer use of chemicals within the sector is available on the ECHA website.

Online sales: an EU-wide enforcement project in 2024-2025

As part of the harmonised enforcement project, the inspectors in all EU members states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will check that products sold online comply with EU REACH restrictions and the requirements of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. Preparations will commence in 2024 and the inspections will take place throughout 2025.

During this project, authorities aim to ensure that various products (toys, common household goods or chemicals) sold online comply with REACH restrictions, and that mixtures are classified, labelled and packaged according to CLP, with appropriate information being presented to consumers in the online offers.

Of particular relevance to Landbell Group’s clients who sell electrical and electronic equipment online, inspectors may also check compliance with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

The European Chemicals Agency’s Enforcement Forum has previously found high rates of non-compliance in the online sale of chemicals, particularly mixtures and articles containing restricted hazardous substances or lacking appropriate hazard information. With growing online sales and products often being shipped directly from outside the EU, this is seen as a priority area for enforcement.

Upcoming chemical compliance events

Landbell Group company, H2 Compliance, will be present at several conferences and chemical compliance events that will be taking place in the US this autumn.

• Chemical Watch – Regulatory Summit Americas 2023: 25-26 September, Washington D.C.
• Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC): 30 September – 9 October, Arlington, Virginia.
• Product Stewardship Society (PSX): 17-19 October, Boston, Massachusetts.
• Chemical Watch webinars: on product stewardship program management for improved product compliance and sustainability (4 October) and on US market access (1 November).