What s new from the EU? Jenny Lawson Enterprise Europe Network Yorkshire Environmental Legal Update 12 th March 2012

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1 What s new from the EU? Jenny Lawson Enterprise Europe Network Yorkshire Environmental Legal Update 12 th March 2012

2 What s new in the EU - overview What is the Enterprise Europe Network Yorkshire? What s Europe got to do with my business? Recent developments & reminders What s in the pipeline? What s on the horizon?

3 What is Enterprise Europe Network Yorkshire? Local gateway to a wealth of support for doing business and finding collaborative partners in Europe Supported by the European Commission Part of a network established in 50 countries in Europe and beyond Majority of our services are free to organisations based in Yorkshire & Humber

4 What s Europe got to do with me?

5 Recent developments & reminders

6 Industrial emissions New legislation on industrial emissions to enter into force January 2013 Tightens minimum emission limits for certain industrial sectors Strengthens application of best available techniques Introduces standards for inspections (site visits every 1-3 years depending on risk)

7 REACH (chemicals) Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals Next deadline approaching: 31 st May 2013 Registration of chemicals manufactured or imported in excess of 100t p.a. 6 substances of very high concern to be banned from 2014/15 unless individual company use is authorised

8 Chemicals (classification & labelling) Inventory of all chemical substances used in the EU launched last month (see Gives information on hazardousness of more than 100,000 substances Aim: to help companies classify and label chemicals correctly Manufacturers / importers of new substances must notify classification within 1 month

9 Biocides - creosote Consumer use banned since 2003 Tighter controls on industrial use from May 2013 Authorisation to place on EU market only for clearly defined uses and where no alternatives available

10 End-of-waste Regulations Trying to clarify when a waste ceases to be a waste First Regulation covers iron, steel & aluminium scrap Took effect 9 th October 2011 Criteria for other products in preparation: Including copper, paper, glass and compost

11 Revised RoHS Directive Hazardous substances in electrical & electronic equipment (EEE) Extends coverage to more equipment Ban on 6 substances applies in principle to all EEE + cables + spare parts Transitional arrangements for some equipment PV panels exempted + temporary exemption for energy-saving light bulbs Due to be implemented January 2013

12 What s in the pipeline?

13 Revisions to WEEE Directive Moved step closer with Parliament approval in January 2012 (to be formally adopted soon) Collection target to be raised significantly by 2019 Tries to reduce admin burden by closer integration of member states producer registers Tougher controls to combat illegal exports of WEEE

14 Biocides Proposed tighter safety rules for biocides Phasing out of the most hazardous substances Scope extended to cover articles such as furniture or clothing treated with biocides Reduction of animal testing EU-wide authorisation for low-risk biocides Formal approval soon: to enter into force September 2013

15 Nanomaterials Used in hundreds of applications & consumer products from toothpaste to batteries Common definition felt necessary to ensure that appropriate chemical safety rules apply Recommended by Commission October 2011 Materials whose main constituents have a dimension of between 1 and 100 billionth of a metre Included in proposed Regulation on biocides

16 Water pollution Proposed tightening up of controls on water quality 15 chemicals to be added to list of pollutants monitored and controlled in EU surface waters Emissions of 6 to be phased out within 20 years Includes 3 pharmaceuticals for first time Stricter controls for 4 chemicals already on list and emissions of 2 others also to be phased out

17 Energy efficiency Proposed legislation to help EU meet its 2020 energy efficiency targets (20% savings): Proposes regular mandatory energy audits for larger companies Possible incentives for energy audits for SMEs Public organisations to be encouraged to make energy-efficient purchases

18 What else is on the EU horizon?

19 What else is on the EU horizon? Potential new legislation on mixture toxicity : Combination effects of chemicals Currently no systematic approach to assessing risk Commission study published early 2010 Consultations throughout the summer of that year May involve modifications to existing chemicals legislation (e.g. REACH) and / or specific guidelines for businesses

20 What else is on the EU horizon? Potential action on biowaste: New strategy launched May 2010 Dual aim: Cut levels of biowaste (& resulting methane) Unlock potential as renewable energy / recycled material Use of existing legislation to encourage better biowaste management Back-up measures at EU level e.g. standards for composts

21 What else is on the EU horizon? Potential action on construction waste: Report published February 2011 & being considered Recovery target under Waste Framework Directive 70% Actual rate varies 40-80% Ideas discussed include: Increasing recovery target Setting target for prevention Developing end-of-waste criteria

22 What else is on the EU horizon? Review of End-of-Life Vehicles legislation: Adapting it to technical progress since its adoption in 2000 On-line consultation launched 14 th July Seeking views on current exemptions on use of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium and cadmium

23 What else is on the EU horizon? Green procurement: Public sector being encouraged by European Commission to lead the way Increasing pressure on suppliers to demonstrate how they can help reduce environmental impacts Able to introduce environmental criteria in specifications, bidder selection criteria and award criteria GPP criteria being developed for common goods and services

24 What else is on the EU horizon? Sustainable production & consumption retail Code of Conduct adopted June 2010 Voluntary commitment Sustainable sourcing of specific products Increased in-store resource efficiency Better waste management practices Reducing environmental impacts of transport / logistics Signed already by major retailers such as Tesco

25 What do businesses need to do? Track changes / new developments Free e-newsletter from Enterprise Europe More hints & tips to follow Seek advice on environmental policies and systems Keep in touch to ensure compliance, e.g. with EA

26 Questions? Contact details: Jenny Lawson Tel: Website: