European Commission stalls bans on 14 hazardous chemical groups

The European Commission has reportedly stalled the implementation of bans on 14 groups of hazardous chemicals, including PFAS, bisphenols, and lead. This delay contradicts the EU’s ‘zero pollution’ goal established in 2021, which aims to significantly reduce pollution in air, water, and soil by 2030.

A report by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and ClientEarth, titled ‘Restrictions Roadblock report’, indicates that nearly two-thirds of the 22 chemical groups targeted in the 2022 Restrictions Roadmap have seen their progress halted. Of the 14 frozen cases, seven have not yet begun the regulatory process, while another seven are being blocked from finalization by the Commission. Only six restrictions have successfully completed the regulatory process.