Nanomaterials on the Market
What Regulators Need to Know

Brussels - 9 October 2009

Introduction

This stakeholder conference is organised in the context of a study, commissioned by the European Commission, DG Environment in cooperation with the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) and the Swedish EU Presidency, and being carried out by Milieu and Risk & Policy Analysts. The study is aimed at assessing whether the reporting requirements under the REACH Regulation are adequate for gathering the necessary information to address potential risks associated with nanomaterials on the EU market today in order to ensure safe use. The study will consider whether additional information from industry is needed and, if so, how this information could be gathered.

The study so far

A comprehensive analysis has been undertaken of the European market for chemical substances and articles containing nanomaterials.  This has included identifying the main substances currently on the market (or likely to be placed on the market in the near future), the potential classification of the substances and quantities to be placed on the market, the timescale for REACH registration and the amount of information that will be provided in the REACH registration dossier.  A further analysis has been undertaken into whether information on nanomaterials, important for hazard or risk assessment, would not be included in the REACH registration, or is not available due to a lack of research.  Finally, options for a reporting system for nanomaterials that may address possible information gaps are being identified.

Finally, options for a voluntary reporting system for nanomaterials have been identified that would address the information gaps identified.

The conference

The conference provided a forum for informed discussion of the key issues surrounding the existing knowledge gaps as well as options for gathering the additional information needed to ensure that any significant risks to health and the environment are adequately addressed.