European Commission Delays Rules on Dangerous Chemicals
Introduction
A new report from two environmental groups says the European Commission did not start making rules for seven groups of dangerous chemicals. It also stopped work on seven other groups. The plan was to stop using these chemicals in the EU.
Main Body
The report came out in 2026. It looks at the plan from 2022. The Commission did not start rules for seven groups. It stopped work on seven more. Environmental groups say these delays are against the law. The delays caused about 98,000 tonnes of extra pollution. The biggest problem is lead in bullets and fishing tools. The Commission delayed the rules for this lead for 23 months. Every year, about 44,000 tonnes of lead go into the environment from these things. Other rules are delayed. One rule is for lead in bullets. Lead in bullets can cause kidney sickness. Another rule is for chemicals in children''s products. These chemicals can cause cancer. Another rule is for a fertilizer. This fertilizer causes cancer. Another rule is for a chemical. This chemical stays in the body. People use it in cars to stop fire. Under EU rules, the Commission must write a change to the list of banned chemicals within three months after experts give their opinion. The report says the Commission never did this on time. Delays were from 13 to 47 months. The average delay was two years. The Commission made some rules. For example, the Commission made rules for PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam, lead in PVC plastics, and some chemicals in clay pigeon shooting. The Commission did not answer questions. The report also says the Commission removed some chemical groups from the plan. This happened after experts said no to the rules, or because the Commission chose different ways to make rules. The latest update of the plan moved the dates for some groups later. The Commission did not say why. A researcher said the lack of political will is very frustrating. She said the Commission''s not doing its work is a long-time problem.
Conclusion
The plan to stop dangerous chemicals is not finished. Environmental groups want the Commission to work faster, follow the law, and be more open about its work.