Europe Regulatory News

The European Commission has launched a public consultation from 26 February to 26 March 2025 on proposed amendments to the EU Taxonomy Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2020/852) that aim to simplify report...

The European Commission has launched a public consultation from 26 February to 26 March 2025 on proposed amendments to the EU Taxonomy Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2020/852) that aim to simplify reporting requirements for companies while maintaining transparency in sustainable investments. The proposed changes, outlined in the Taxonomy Delegated Acts, aim to reduce administrative complexity and increase clarity for companies subject to sustainability disclosure requirements.

What is the EU Taxonomy?

The EU Taxonomy is a classification system that helps define which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable. It is a key tool in the EU’s Green Deal, which aims to channel investments into activities that truly contribute to environmental protection and climate goals.

To be considered sustainable under the EU Taxonomy, an economic activity must:

• Make a significant contribution to at least one of the six environmental objectives.

• Do no significant harm to any of the other objectives.

• Comply with minimum social and governance safeguards.

The six environmental goals are:

• Climate Change Mitigation – Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as investing in renewable energy or energy-efficient buildings.

• Climate Change Adaptation – Helping communities and businesses cope with climate risks, such as flood prevention infrastructure.

• Sustainable Use and Protection of Water & Marine Resources – Reducing water pollution and ensuring responsible water consumption.

• Transition to a Circular Economy – Promoting recycling, sustainable product design, and waste reduction.

• Pollution Prevention and Control – Reducing air, water, and soil pollution, including reducing the use of hazardous chemicals.

• Protection & Restoration of Biodiversity & Ecosystems – Supporting nature conservation, reforestation, and sustainable agriculture.

By setting clear technical screening criteria, the EU Taxonomy aims to prevent greenwashing (false sustainability claims) and help investors and companies make informed decisions about sustainable activities.

Key Amendments in the Proposal

The proposed amendments introduce several measures to make sustainability reporting simpler and more cost-effective, including:

• Reduced Reporting Scope – Companies will no longer have to assess and report on economic activities that are not financially material to their business, if they represent less than 10% of key financial indicators such as turnover, capital expenditures, or operating expenses.

• Streamlined Reporting Templates – The number of reported data points will be significantly reduced to minimize duplicative and complex reporting requirements.

• Clarifications of ‘Do No Significant Harm’ (DNSH) Criteria – The proposal simplifies the chemical assessment obligations under Appendix C by reducing the number of substances that companies must assess, potentially removing up to 10,000 substances from the reporting framework.

• Postponement of Certain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – Financial institutions will have more time to comply with certain sustainability-related metrics, with some requirements delayed until 2027.

Why These Changes Matter

• Less Burden on Businesses – The amendments reduce compliance costs and focus reporting efforts on high-impact environmental activities.

• Better Usability & Legal Clarity – Companies will find it easier to determine whether their activities meet EU sustainability standards.

• Stronger Alignment with Other EU Regulations – The changes support broader EU sustainability initiatives, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).

Next Steps

The proposal is open for feedback until 26 March 2025, after which it will be further assessed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. If adopted, the new rules will take effect from 1 January 2026.

Conclusion

The Commission’s initiative reflects a balanced approach to sustainability reporting -maintaining transparency while reducing excessive regulatory burdens. These adjustments should improve the practical implementation of the EU Taxonomy, making it easier for companies to contribute to Europe’s green transition.

For more details, visit the official consultation page here.

The European Commission has issued Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/182, correcting the chemical formula of riboflavin 5′-phosphate monosodium salt in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/9...

The European Commission has issued Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/182, correcting the chemical formula of riboflavin 5′-phosphate monosodium salt in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/901. This feed additive is authorized for all animal species except aquatic animals.

The original formula C₁₇H₂₂N₄O₉PNa was incorrect and has been changed to C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₉PNa. This correction ensures the accurate characterization of the additive in regulatory documents.

Ensuring Compliance with International Standards

The correction aligns the regulation with the Codex Alimentarius standards for Good Animal Feeding (CAC/RCP 54-2004). While the correction does not affect the authorization of the additive, it clarifies the chemical composition and helps maintain consistency and accuracy in regulatory compliance.

Key Dates and Entry into Force

• Adoption Date: 31 January 2025

• Publication Date: 3 February 2025

• Entry into Force: 23 February 2025 (twentieth day after publication)

The measure is considered trade facilitating, as it provides necessary clarity for industry stakeholders.

The full text of the Implementing Regulation can be accessed here.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a Q&A document based on its webinar on new hazard classes under the CLP Regulation held on 21 November 2024. The document provides clarifications on ...

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a Q&A document based on its webinar on new hazard classes under the CLP Regulation held on 21 November 2024. The document provides clarifications on the application of new classifications, including endocrine disruptors, PMT/vPvM substances, and revised classification rules.

Stakeholders involved in the classification and labelling of chemicals can refer to the Q&A for further guidance on compliance and implementation. The document is available on the ECHA website here.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has outlined key timelines for integrating hazard identifications from other EU regulations into the revised Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulat...

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has outlined key timelines for integrating hazard identifications from other EU regulations into the revised Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. The process ensures a harmonized approach to chemical safety by aligning classifications across different regulatory frameworks while avoiding duplication of work by using existing hazard assessments from other legislation.

Integration of Hazard Classifications into CLP

The revised CLP Regulation introduces a mechanism to integrate hazard identifications from the REACH Regulation, Plant Protection Products Regulation (PPPR), and Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) directly into Annex VI to CLP, as defined in CLP Article 37(7). If a substance has already been identified under these regulations as having endocrine-disrupting (ED) and/or PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic) / vPvB (very persistent, very bioaccumulative) properties, it can be directly included in Annex VI without requiring a separate assessment.

Types of Substances and Their Regulatory Pathways

The regulatory timelines set by ECHA apply to two broad categories of substances:

• Substances with decisions adopted by 11 June 2025: These substances have already been assessed and determined to have hazardous properties under REACH, PPPR, or BPR.

• Substances with assessments ongoing but no decision adopted yet: These substances are still undergoing evaluation, and their classification will be finalized as regulatory decisions are made.

Timeline for Substances with Decisions Adopted by 11 June 2025 These substances have already undergone assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) or ECHA and have been identified by ECHA as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) or classified by the European Commission under the BPR or the PPPR as having hazardous properties.

• By 11 June 2025:

  • The substance has been included in the REACH Candidate List, or

  • A decision on approval or renewal has been adopted under the PPPR or the BPR.

• By 11 June 2026:

  • The substance will be included in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation.

Timeline for SVHC Substances with Ongoing Assessments

• By 11 June 2025:

  • An Annex XV dossier must be submitted to ECHA for the substance.

• By 11 June 2026:

  • The substance will be included in the REACH Candidate List for one or more SVHC properties.

Timeline for Substances under PPPR with Ongoing Assessments

• By 11 June 2025:

• • An application for approval or renewal must be submitted to EFSA.

• By 11 June 2032:

  • A decision on approval or renewal concluding that the substance has one or more hazardous properties is adopted under PPPR.

Timeline for Substances under BPR with Ongoing Assessments

• By 1 September 2013:

  • An application was submitted under the Biocidal Products Directive (before BPR) and evaluated, but no decision was adopted.

• By 11 June 2025:

  • A draft assessment report for approval or renewal is submitted to ECHA.

  • ECHA submits an opinion to the Commission concluding that the substance meets endocrine-disrupting (ED) and/or PBT/vPvB criteria.

• By 11 June 2030:

  • A decision on approval or renewal concluding that the substance has hazardous properties is adopted under BPR.

These deadlines are crucial for industry stakeholders to track regulatory changes and ensure compliance with the updated classification framework. Companies handling affected substances should take proactive steps to align with ECHA’s evolving regulatory landscape.

On 13 March 2025, the European Union notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft Commission Implementing Decision to update the glossary of common ingredient names for cosmetic products. Th...

On 13 March 2025, the European Union notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft Commission Implementing Decision to update the glossary of common ingredient names for cosmetic products. This update, proposed under the Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009), aims to standardize labeling practices across the EU and improve ingredient transparency for consumers.

Key Updates in the Draft Decision

• Revised Ingredient Glossary: The draft proposes a comprehensive update of the glossary of common ingredient names used in cosmetic product labelling. The goal is to ensure consistent terminology and facilitate ingredient identification for consumers and regulatory authorities.

• Consistent Labelling Requirements: The revised glossary will support harmonized labeling across EU member states, reducing inconsistencies and improving regulatory clarity for manufacturers.

• Repeal of Existing Decision: The new regulation will replace Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/677, incorporating the latest ingredient classifications and nomenclature updates.

Regulatory and Industry Implications

• Compliance Obligations: Cosmetic manufacturers, importers, and distributors will need to align product labels with the updated glossary to ensure continued market compliance.

• Safety and Transparency: The update supports consumer protection by making ingredient names clearer and more accessible. It also assists regulatory authorities in monitoring cosmetic formulations.

• Potential Impact on Product Formulation: Some products may require reformulation to comply with the revised nomenclature and regulatory requirements.

Public Consultation and Next Steps

• Deadline for Comments: Stakeholders will have 60 days from the date of notification to submit comments.

• Proposed Adoption and Entry into Force: The Decision is expected to be adopted in the second quarter of 2025 and will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

The full text of the draft decision is available here and the list of common ingredient names is available here.

On 25 February 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation on the possible designation of ethanol as a candidate for substitution under the Biocidal Products Regulation (...

On 25 February 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation on the possible designation of ethanol as a candidate for substitution under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). The consultation is open until 28 April 2025 and invites stakeholders to provide input on alternative substances.

Ethanol Biocidal Products

Ethanol is widely used in biocidal products, including:

• Product type 1 – Human hygiene products.

• Product type 2 – Disinfectants and algaecides not for direct human or animal use.

• Product type 4 – Food and feed area disinfectants.

Ethanol has been identified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its hazardous properties. Under the BPR, substances that meet substitution criteria will be reviewed for potential phase-out if safer alternatives are available.

Rules for Candidates for Substitution under the BPR

Under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) (Regulation (EU) 528/2012), substances are identified as Candidates for Substitution if they meet specific hazard criteria, such as being carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR), endocrine disrupting, or persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT/vPvB). These substances are subject to stricter approval conditions, and their use is only permitted if no suitable alternatives exist. If an active substance is listed as a candidate for substitution, all biocidal products containing it must be evaluated against possible safer alternatives, with the aim of phasing out the substance where feasible.

Stakeholder Participation

ECHA encourages industry representatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders to submit data on alternatives to ethanol, its safety, and efficacy in biocidal applications. The feedback will contribute to regulatory decisions on the approval of possible restrictions of ethanol.

How to Participate

Stakeholders can access details of the consultation and submit comments via ECHA’s website here. Participation in the consultation will ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the future use of ethanol in biocidal products and help shape EU regulatory decisions.

On 28 February 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation on the classification of three substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) under the REACH Regulation....

On 28 February 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation on the classification of three substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) under the REACH Regulation. This step aims to enhance the protection of human health and the environment from potential risks associated with these chemicals.

Details of the Proposed Substances

1. 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-Heptamethyl-3-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]trisiloxane (EC 241-867-7, CAS 17928-28-8)

   • Uses: Widely used in cosmetics, personal care products, perfumes, fragrances, and as a binder in paints, coatings, and adhesives.

   • Reason for Inclusion: Identified as very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative (vPvB) under Article 57(e) of REACH.

2. Decamethyltetrasiloxane (EC 205-491-7, CAS 141-62-8)

   • Uses: Used in cosmetics, personal care items, detergents, car care products, lubricants, and greases.

   • Reason for Inclusion: Classified as vPvB under Article 57(e) of REACH

3. Reactive Brown 51 (Tetra(sodium/potassium) 7-[(E)-{2-acetamido-4-[(E)-(4-{[4-chloro-6-({2-[(4-fluoro-6-{[4-(vinylsulfonyl)phenyl]amino}-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)amino]propyl}amino)-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl]amino}-5-sulfonato-1-naphthyl)diazenyl]-5-methoxyphenyl}diazenyl]-1,3,6-naphthalenetrisulfonate); (EC 466-490-7, CAS -)

   • Uses: Used in textile treatment products and dyes.

   • Reason for Inclusion: Identified as toxic for reproduction under Article 57(c) of REACH.

Public Consultation Process

Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to submit their comments and feedback on these proposals by 14 April 2025. Comments can be submitted here. This consultation will allow for the collection of scientific information and perspectives that will inform the regulatory process. The feedback will be reviewed by the Member State Committee (MSC) before a final decision the classification of the substances as SVHCs is made.

Potential Impact on Industry

If these substances are officially recognized as SVHCs, they will be added to the Candidate List, which currently contains 247 entries. This listing could lead to further regulatory actions, including possible restrictions or authorizations, affecting industries that use these chemicals.

Conclusion

ECHA's proposal to identify these three substances as SVHCs underlines the Agency's commitment to protecting health and the environment. Stakeholders are encouraged to actively participate in the consultation process to ensure comprehensive evaluation and informed decision-making.