ECHA Implements New Measures to Enhance Battery Safety
Helsinki, 17 August 2023 – As part of the modernization of the EU’s battery regulatory framework, ECHA has received new projects to assist the European Commission in its operations. As part of this project, the Office will help improve a Commission report on substances of concern found in batteries or utilized in their assembly. These substances adversely affect human health, the environment, or the use of safe and high-quality raw materials for reuse/recycling. The European Commission will rely on ECHA to identify substances of concern within batteries or used in their manufacture. It will also prepare recommendations for restricting certain substances in batteries. Through this initiative, batteries on the EEA market will be more sustainable for the entire battery lifecycle. It is necessary for Europe to upgrade its batteries in order to move toward clean energy. They are also crucial to the European automobile industry. There is an expected increase of 14 folds in global interest in batteries by 2030. A revised Batteries Guideline was proposed by the European Commission in 2020 in order to limit the ecological effects of this development and to take into account changes in public opinion, new technological developments, markets, and battery purposes. The Batteries Order (Directive 2006/66/EC) was repealed by the Guideline on 17 August 2023. The law limits the use of mercury and cadmium in batteries, as well as lead in compact batteries. It also intends to: Enhance the interior market by guaranteeing a level playing field through the use of a common set of guidelines. Encourage the development of a roundabout economy. Reducing ecological and social effects throughout the battery lifecycle. ECHA’s EU assistance: It is anticipated that by 31 December 2027, the EU will recognize the substances and consider follow-up measures, such as possible EU-wide restrictions. ECHA normally begins work on this report in 2024. We have a compliance specialist who is well trained and knowledgeable about Lead and other hazardous substances, and the regulations they fall under under ECHA and EU regulations. It is also possible that the Commission will request that ECHA prepare a proposal on the limitation of destructive substances found in batteries and in waste batteries. Furthermore, the Organization will assess, through its Councils for Hazard Evaluation and Financial Examination, the viability of the limitation proposition in dealing with the gamble. It will also assess its impact on society. ComplianceXL’s services are utilized by organizations across various industry verticals for a variety of compliance-related needs, ranging from an initial compliance counselling commitment to gathering compliance statements from service providers. Since the list of providers is constantly changing, most organizations rely on our team to obtain intermittently refreshed confirmations and statements from providers in order to maintain accurate and updated compliance information. Get in touch with one of our compliance specialists today Contact Us
EU Compliance Outlook 2021
Here is the snapshot of most important developments that we can expect in 2021, by European Union. EU Batteries Regulation A proposal for EU batteries laws were published on Dec 2020. This proposal will fully replace replacing the existing directive and mends all aspects of battery design, performance and end of life. It introduces over time innovative new supply chain diligence, labelling, carbon footprint and other new measures. Its due to take effect from 1 January 2022. New EU Regulation on Mobile phones and tablets Commission intent to introduce two new EU-wide regulations – an implementing measure under the Ecodesign Directive, and a delegated act under the Energy Labelling Regulation. This mainly targets on what commission identifies as unnecessary waste and alleged planned obsolescence. A public consultation to analyze waste management is planned for Q2 of 2021. EU Machinery directive A draft for replacing machinery directive with the EU new Machinery regulation is expected to be published in Q1 2021. RoHS directive evaluation A Commission report is expected on Q2 2021 REACH SVHC updation Second set of REACH SVHC candidate updated list is expected on Q3 2021. E-PRTR (EU Industrial Emissions Directive and European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) E-PRTR is to be revised – Expecting a draft text of proposed revisions in Q4 2021. EU Shipment of Waste Regulation EU Shipment of waste regulation is about to revised. Its Q2 2021 plans are – The Commission is expecting to propose revision to reduce shipments of waste to outside the EU. Shipment waste procedures to reflect the objectives of the circular economy and improve enforcement EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) Revision Consultation on current ongoing until early February 2021. A formal draft of amendment to EU ETS is expected in the first half of 2021. There are proposals to extend the EU ETS to new sectors such as maritime and enhance the regime to align with the EU’s 2050 carbon neutrality objectives. Action on methane emissions in the energy sector Currently, there are no EU-level legislation targeting methane emissions in the energy sector. Adoption of the draft text for a new Regulation proposal is planned for Q4 2021. The new for methane regulation under consideration involves possible binding rules on the monitoring, reporting and verification of methane emissions, as well as methane emission reduction measures to support the EU’s climate neutrality objectives. Health and Safety at Work EU Strategic Framework 2021-2027 The new framework aims in maintaining and improving health and safety standards, in the range of new challenges being faced by workplaces, like new ways of working, technological development and digitalisation and COVID-19. The ongoing public consultation will remain open until 1 March 2021. The new health and safety framework is expected to be finalised in Q2 2021. EU Regulations on Organic production and labelling its products The EU has strict monitoring on the of products that are certified and labelled as “organic” in 2021. The upcoming organic legislation is expected to be effective from 1 January 2022, postponed for a year as per EU Commission’s proposal. The new regulation is designed to ensure fair competition for farmers while maintaining consumer trust and preventing fraud. Medical Devices Regulation The Medical Devices Regulation will create a stronger, transparent, and sustainable regulatory framework, that improves clinical safety and creates fair market access for manufacturers and healthcare professionals. Following the transition period, on 26 May 2021, the Medical Device Regulation will effective completely. The corresponding date for application of the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR, Regulation (EU) 2017/746) still remains in May 2022. Companies involved in manufacturing and supply of products in various industries, need to look out for many more such updates and easily sail through without complications. Talk to one of our global compliance to learn more about how you can stay compliant with upcoming regulations and amendments in 2021.
ECHA Proposes To Restrict Intentionally Added Microplastics
ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) has submitted a proposal for a new regulation to restrict microplastic particles that have been added intentionally in consumer and commercial products. What are microplastics? Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic material, typically smaller than 5 mm including much smaller nano-plastics. They are deliberately manufactured and intentionally added to products for certain specific reasons and used in a variety of consumer, agricultural, professional, and industrial products such as: Cosmetics and personal care products – both rinse-off and leave-on products Detergents and cleaning products – encapsulation of fragrances in laundry detergents and cleaning products paints, inks and coatings Products used in the oil and gas industry abrasive blasting media Agricultural and horticultural products – fertilizers and plant protection products Apart from this, some products are designed to intentionally release microplastics as a part of their function; for example, products such as nutrient pills used in the agricultural sector. These microplastic particles accumulate in the environment and may get consumed by animals and fish, which eventually be eaten consumed by human beings, which can be hazardous. What has been done in the EU? Many EU states have either banned the intentional use of such microplastics or have proposed bans. The biggest concern with the impact of products is they adversely affect human health and the overall environment. Some of the consumer products that use ‘microbeads’ in ‘rinse-off’ cosmetics, which act as exfoliating and cleansing agents are expected to be banned. What is ECHA’s assessment? Intentionally added microplastics are likely to get accumulated in terrestrial and aquatic environments. The alarming factor is that the bio-accumulation of these microplastics is rather persistent and lasts for thousands of years and becomes practically impossible to remove. At present, it is nearly impossible to measure the long-term exposure of these microplastics and their impact on the environment. Limited availability of data The risk assessment of microplastics on the environment is highly challenging due to the inadequate availability of information on the after-effects. The food chain becomes more vulnerable to the negative effects of microplastics because of its size and their degradation will result in much smaller particles, which makes it very difficult to identify or control. The socio-economic impact of such restrictions ECHA has identified that the agricultural sector will be the most affected industry segment, and the restrictions are likely to result in a difference in the cost of the product. However, ECHA expects the entire activity to be cost-effective in all sectors in the long run, by using environmentally friendly alternatives at better costs. Labeling requirements In addition to the ban of microplastics, the new regulations also require manufacturers to provide warnings through labels about potential microplastics released during usage. Some of the products affected by this requirement include: Paints, inks, and coatings – both for professional and consumer applications Chemicals – esp. oil and gas processes Construction products – cement and adhesives Medicinal products and medical devices What does the restriction proposal not cover? At the outset, few of the naturally occurring polymers such as cellulose, polymers that meet the proposed interim biodegradability criteria, or fertilizing products, are not included. However, the upcoming Fertilizing Products Regulation will keep a check on such products. How would the restriction work? The regulation is expected to be effective starting in 2021, in a phased manner to give manufacturers enough time to redevelop, rediscover and find suitable environmental friendly alternatives to microplastics. By this regulation, the release of microplastics is estimated to reduce by 400,000 tons over 20 years. What do you need to do? With the enforcement of various environmental regulations, manufacturers have to be more cautious and remain up-to-date, to stay compliant. Ensuing compliance requires extensive efforts in understanding complete regulations, compliance documentation requirements, supplier engagement, finding alternatives and accurate compliance reporting. Are you affected by this upcoming restriction? Talk to one of our Compliance Experts to learn more and do an assessment.