Worrisome trend for EU chemical monitoring

In two years, Europe has seen a four-fold increase in cases where the country of origin of the product containing Reach-non-compliant chemicals is ‘unknown’, according to recent analysis by the European Chemical Industry Council  (Cefic). The figure has jumped from 4% in 2019, to 12% in 2000 and then to 18% in 2021, and Cefic says this is most likely due to a rise in online shopping since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Not knowing the origins of products containing non-compliant chemicals reduces the EU’s ability to monitor online markets and improve safety, Cefic warned. The trade group underscored the importance of ramping up enforcement of chemicals legislation for imported goods and online sales.