FuelsEurope Calls for a Balanced and Competitive Approach in REACH Revision

FuelsEurope urges the European Commission to align the revision of REACH and the Chemicals Industry Package with its broader goals of simplification and strengthening European competitiveness. As the backbone of Europe’s chemicals regulation, REACH and CLP should remain the central frameworks guiding chemical safety and definitions.

The upcoming REACH revision must address real shortcomings without adding unnecessary complexity or duplicating existing rules.

Prioritise What Matters – Simplify Without Compromising

Regulatory measures should be science-based and rooted in thorough risk assessment, ensuring both human health and environmental protection are enhanced efficiently.

FuelsEurope is concerned by the lack of clarity provided during the Commission’s recent CARACAL meeting on 4 April 2025. Many early proposals risk significantly increasing red tape without clear gains in safety or sustainability.

FuelsEurope Supports Smart, Science-Based Updates

FuelsEurope advocates for targeted reforms to REACH that are grounded in science, promote regulatory efficiency and innovation while maintaining the integrity of existing frameworks:

  • Modernised information requirements, including Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATAs) and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), particularly relevant for complex UVCB substances.
  • Regulatory flexibility with better acceptance of waivers and adaptations of standard information requirements based on exposure or other scientific justifications.
  • Sufficient transitional periods to help industry adapt to new requirements effectively.
  • Formalisation of risk management option analyses (RMOA) to ensure proportionate and effective regulation, focusing on real risks.
  • A transparent prioritisation roadmap to bring predictability for authorities and industry.
  • A clearer role for the candidate list, as a prioritisation tool, not as a route to authorisation only.

Avoiding Unnecessary Burdens

FuelsEurope firmly opposes proposals that increase regulatory pressure without justified benefits:

  • A blanket application of the Mixture Allocation Factor (MAF).
  • Broad application of the Generic Risk Approach (GRA) beyond CMRs or to professional uses.
  • An “essential use” concept applied indiscriminately—this must remain a case-by-case tool.
  • Overly broad substance grouping without clear chemical or hazard-based justification.
  • Redefinition of intermediates or unnecessary testing for endocrine disruption (ED) when existing evidence is sufficient.

Let’s Get It Right

REACH has been a globally respected model for chemical regulation. Its revision is an opportunity to fine-tune and future-proof it—not to overcomplicate it. A balanced, risk-based, and innovation-friendly approach will ensure Europe remains competitive and safe.

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