Larry A. Watts 
On April 25, 2022, the European Commission published a “restrictions roadmap” as part of the EU chemicals strategy. If implemented as planned, thousands of chemicals will quickly be restricted in the EU (such as certain flame retardants, bisphenols and PVC plastics). This is likely to have a significant impact on both the chemical industry and product manufacturers who may need to tailor their products to ensure that they do not contain any of the targeted substances above specified limits.
Our takeaway meals:
- What is remarkable about this roadmap is its broad scope. This represents a move towards regulating chemicals by group (rather than regulating them individually or in small groups as is currently the case).
- According to the roadmap, the restriction process will begin within two years.
- The European Environmental Bureau, an NGO, estimates that by 2030 an additional 5,000 to 7,000 chemicals will be restricted.
- The roadmap defines the priorities of the European Chemicals Agency before the revision of the REACH regulation (estimated for 2027).
- Companies should consult the roadmap to prepare for upcoming substance restrictions that may impact their supply chains or end products.
- The British government has yet to announce its strategy on chemicals.
