The Norwegian Environmental Pollution Control Agency has issued two draft regulations regarding the implementation of REACH in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first recommendation is to translate the European Commission\u2019s changes to Annexes XIII and XIV of REACH into Norwegian law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Annex XIII provides the criteria for evaluating the health and harmful effects of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances. The proposed changes include using more data in such assessments to improve the classification of environmental impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Annex XIV is a list of candidate substances that require authorization, and the proposed revisions include six substances added to it earlier this year. The public comment period for this proposal ends on April 10, 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second recommendation concerns the implementation of REACH requirements in the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic. Currently, Svalbard is not subject to REACH regulations, but Norway's recommendation would apply Articles 31, 67, Annex II, and Annex XVII of REACH to the Svalbard region. This means the region would be subject to restrictions on the manufacture, sale, and use of certain hazardous substances, preparations, and articles, and would require the provision of relevant safety information sheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Klif's recommendation aims to ensure the safety of chemical users and the environment, while also taking into account that the change will not result in a significant cost increase for businesses in Svalbard or Norway. The public comment period for this recommendation ends on March 13, 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n