Document B8x8mnpdEV9qkmNre4Mzb6M1J
Federal product policy: initiatives regarding the chemicals sector
Political engagement underpinning federal policies on sustainable products a nFedderacl GhoevermnmiecntaAglrseement:
High ambition towards the reduction of chemical substances. Stimulate innovation to substitute or reduce the use of pesticides Ambitious implementation of EU Directives on plastics incl. microplastics Examine possibilities for waste prevention of outdoor consumption Ensure a high level of foodsafety Ensure policy coherence
Policy principles of Minister Khattabi
Precautionary principle A just transition To govern is to foresee - gouverner c'est prvoir Safety by design - Design4REACH
BBBC call #2 on substitution of SVHC
EU Funds Recovery and Resilience
Priority substances of very high concern: PFAS Endocrine disruptors 10 or so other priority substances
Proposals expected by 24/06/23
For more information: https://www.health.belgium.be/nl/tweede-projectoproep-voor-bbbc
Reduction Plan for Biocides
Content of the Reduction Plan
First federal plan on the reduction of Biocides Scope: all biocides put on the Belgian market Objectives: move towards safer biocidal products for health and the
environment Defines measures, indicators and timing of implementation 19 measures on 6 topics
Process
Adoption by the federal government: 03/03/2023 Council of state advice : 11/04/2023 - integration of the remarks ongoing Next step : publication (foreseen before summer break, mid-july)
Draft Royal Decree on Nano materials
Content of the draft Royal Decree
Revision of Royal Decree of 2014 on Nanomaterials Objective: improve traceability of nanomaterials - via nanoregister Current Revision broadens the scope from substances and mixtures to
Biocides, Food Contact Materials, pigments, cosmetics
Process
The EU Commission has been notified (TRIS procedure) and gave some comments
The draft has been revised accordingly - Commission response expected soon
Advisory Councils: Federal Council for Sustainable Development and Central Council for the Economy issued their advice.
Advice of the High Council on Health is expected
Next step: Adoption by the Council of Ministers
Draft Royal Decree on export of chemical substances
Context - what is at stake?
Currently, chemical substances that are: prohibited for use in the EU because of negative impacts environment
and health can still be exported to non EU countries, under the PIC Regulation
Around 25 companies notify the SPF Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment of their exports of those substances to around 120 countries outside the EU
Problematic in many ways: from an ethical perspective - double standards for health, biodiversity and environment impacts in non EU countries for safe working conditions in non EU countries for rebound effect from contaminated imported food products for EU
consumers
France, Germany, Belgium: the 3 largest exporting countries in the EU
Context
France introduced a ban in 2022
Germany currently prepares own national measures
EU Commission: Considers a proposal for revision of PIC at the earliest in Q4 2023. Formal legislative process at EU level takes between 2-3 years average. June 2024: EU elections bring a new Commission and new Parliament
Minister Khattabi and Minister Vandenbroucke decided to take initiative
Content of the draft Royal Decree
Annex 1: Substances prohibited in the EU market will also be prohibited for export by Belgian exporters to non-EU countries
Annex 2: substancs for certain uses still authorized in the EU, are also authorized for export
Process
TRIS notification finalised in 01/03/2023- No remarks from the Commission
Advice of 4 advisory bodies received in March and April 2023 Draft Royal Decree adapted in accordance with some remarks and
questions Decision at Council of Minsters before summer
(Draft) Royal Decree on Single Use Plastics
Royal Decree 9/12/21 (SUP1)
First step in the implementation of the Single Use Plastics Directive Royal decree on single use products and promotion of reusable products
Since 24/1/22 Ban on single use plastics such as cutlery, plates, straws, EPS food
containers Recycled content for PET-bottles Requirements for non detachable caps for beverage containers
Since 24/1/23 Ban on single use plastic cups (paper cups with plastic coating excluded) Ban on plastic carrier bags
Content of the draft Royal Decree (SUP 2)
Second step in the implementation of the Single Use Plastics Directive
further measures to reduce consumption of single use plastics used for consumption of food and drinks on the go and on site
measures to reduce single use plastics for unaddressed advertising material
further measures to step up recycled content of plastic products
Process SUP2
The EU Commission has been notified (TRIS procedure) and gave comments The draft has been revised accordingly and since approved by the Commission The Advisory Boards have issued their advice The revised proposal will be presented very soon to the stakeholders Discussions in the government foreseen in June/July
Debate on the future of packaging policy
Invitation to have a broad reflection on future packaging policies
European evolutions: new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: enhanced focus on waste reduction, eco-design
International evolutions: negotiations on a UN Treaty to end plastic pollution with binding upstream and downstream measures
Minister Khattabi requested advice from the federal council on sustainable development (28/11/22) on the future of our packaging policy and the role of the federal government Call for stakeholders to participate in a constructive manner with a view on a long term strategy
National Action plan Endocrine Disruptors (2022-2026)
Some examples
Belgian participation in EU PARC initiative Develop next-generation chemical risk assessment to protect human health and the environment
Belgian roll-out AskREACH Scan4Chem App raising consumer awareness about substances of high concern (SVHC) in articles enabling consumers to make responsible purchasing decisions, raising supplier awareness of obligation to comply with REACH information duties improving the information flow on SVHC between consumers and suppliers improving supply chain communication processes with the aim of substituting SVHC with safer alternatives
Communication and sensibilisation campains
merci
Zakia Khattabi
Ministre du Climat, de l'Environnement,
du Dveloppement durable et du Green Deal