Claudio Mereu
The European Commission has put forward a proposal to revise the CLP regulation
which introduces additional hazard classes for inter alia endocrine disruptors and
persistence and mobility, which it plans to propose also to the UN GHS. You will
hear from the moderator how the new hazards classes are defined in the EU and when
they could be submitted and concluded by the UN committee. The four stakeholder
representatives will express their positions on whether these are the right hazard
classes to be added to GHS, whether the EU definitions are the appropriate ones and
give their perspective on the upcoming discussions at the UN level on their
inclusion in GHS.
Mr. Claudio Mereu
Partner, Boulevard Louis Schmidt, Brussels
Mr. Claudio Mereu has a master's degree in law from Italy and a European law degree from London and is a Partner in Fieldfisher's Brussels office. For over 25 years he has focused on EU Regulatory law with an emphasis on the chemicals (REACH), pesticides, biocides and life sciences industry sectors, as well as other regulated industries including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toys, electrical and electronic equipment. He is a highly recommended speaker and panellist since many years as "Tier One" and 'Leading Individual" by Legal 500, Chambers Europe, Who's Who Legal and the Life Sciences Industry Report.
He has contributed to a number of publications on pesticides, REACH, GMOs and medical devices. Mr. Caludio is also a member of the Rome Bar (Avvocato) and of the Brussels Bar (Avocat). He represents chemical companies before the European institutions, member state authorities, scientific committees, and the European courts. He also advises clients on the importation, regulation and sale of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, GMOs, novel food, food supplements and food contact materials.
He has defended a multitude of cases over 25 years in various fora, ranging from EU courts to ECHA's Board of Appeal, arbitration panels and national courts.
Partner, Boulevard Louis Schmidt, Brussels
Mr. Claudio Mereu has a master's degree in law from Italy and a European law degree from London and is a Partner in Fieldfisher's Brussels office. For over 25 years he has focused on EU Regulatory law with an emphasis on the chemicals (REACH), pesticides, biocides and life sciences industry sectors, as well as other regulated industries including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toys, electrical and electronic equipment. He is a highly recommended speaker and panellist since many years as "Tier One" and 'Leading Individual" by Legal 500, Chambers Europe, Who's Who Legal and the Life Sciences Industry Report.
He has contributed to a number of publications on pesticides, REACH, GMOs and medical devices. Mr. Caludio is also a member of the Rome Bar (Avvocato) and of the Brussels Bar (Avocat). He represents chemical companies before the European institutions, member state authorities, scientific committees, and the European courts. He also advises clients on the importation, regulation and sale of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, GMOs, novel food, food supplements and food contact materials.
He has defended a multitude of cases over 25 years in various fora, ranging from EU courts to ECHA's Board of Appeal, arbitration panels and national courts.
In a recent insightful discussion at the Asian Chemical Forum, a diverse panel of scientists, industry experts, European Commission regulators, and academic researchers, emphasized the importance of a global approach to tackling challenges facing Europe and their global impact.
Global Economy and Shared Concerns
Mr Mereu felt that the panel was well organized and had a diversity that provided a platform for an engaging and interactive debate. A key takeaway, Mr Mereu highlighted, is the interconnected nature of issues within the global economy. "Issues faced in Europe are not isolated; they reflect a broader global concern that affects jurisdictions outside of Europe, like India," Mr Mereu noted, suggesting the possibility of similar regulatory adjustments by the Indian government.Tackling 'Forever Chemicals': A Case-by-Case Approach
Addressing the complexities surrounding 'forever chemicals,' or PFASs, Mr Mereu called for a nuanced approach. With Europe leading the way with its proposal to restrict around 14,000 substances, the expertcalled for a case-by-case assessment to address different concerns and substitution possibilities. This balanced view underlines the need for detailed consideration based on use and exposure, rather than broad generalizations.Need for Categorization in PFAS Treatment
Mr Mereu underlined the necessity of not treating all PFASs in the same way. Subcategorizations based on exposure scenarios, availability of alternatives, and socio-economic impacts is crucial for fair industry regulation. This approach suggests a tailored strategy to deal with the diverse range of PFASs.Three Industrial Priorities for PFASs
Mr Mereu felt that the main focus for the industry should be:- 1. Joint identification of priorities and sub-categories for PFASs.
- 2. Finding alternatives where possible, along with derogations for critical uses such as in the medical and automotive sectors.
- 3. Balance specific uses of PFASs, distinguishing between replaceable and irreplaceable applications.
