The VCI's standpoint: EP vote on new rules for nanomaterials

Further development of nanotechnology is made more difficult

Regarding the Environment Committee resolution, Dr. Gerd Romanowski (director in charge of Science, Technical and Environmental Affairs at the German Chemical Industry Association / VCI) – criticizes today's vote of the European Parliament (EP) for a stricter regulation of nanomaterials: "This decision will make the further development of a future-oriented technology much more difficult." He points to the danger of excessive legislation and highlights that nanomaterials – being chemical substances -– are covered by numerous existing legal provisions. Romanowski: "The European Parliament ignores these facts, even though they are expressly confirmed by the EU Commission and the EU's scientific committees."

Already now, dangerous properties of substances – including nanomaterials – are identified and studied under the European chemicals regulation REACH. These substances are subject to strict requirements in terms of consumer and environmental protection and occupational health and safety. Romanowski stresses: "Nano does not necessarily mean that a substance is dangerous. Legally prescribed test methods for chemical substances are suitable for the risk evaluation of nanomaterials, too." However, Romanowski welcomes the EP's demand to intensify safety research into nanomaterials and to thus support the efforts of the chemical industry.

Romanowski does not deny that the European Parliament recognizes the manifold benefits of nanotechnology for consumers, patients and the environment. But he warns: "The EP's vote creates obstacles for nanotechnology as an important technology of the future – to the detriment of European competitiveness."