Largest-ever EU toxic chemicals ban faces ‘extremely frustrating’ delays
The European Union’s flagship plan to phase out hazardous chemicals, once hailed as the most ambitious of its kind, has been significantly delayed, prompting sharp criticism from environmental groups and legal experts, according to reporting by The Guardian.
Launched in 2022, the “restrictions roadmap” aimed to regulate 22 groups of dangerous substances found in everyday items such as childcare products, plastics and industrial materials. However, a new report by environmental organisations including ClientEarth and the European Environmental Bureau reveals that progress has stalled dramatically four years on.
Green groups argue that the European Commission has become the “chief roadblock” to its own plan, accusing it of repeated delays and failure to meet legal deadlines. Under EU chemicals law (REACH), the Commission is required to act within three months of receiving expert advice, however the report found these deadlines have consistently been missed, often by years.
The findings show poor progress overall, with 14 of the 22 targeted hazardous chemical groups either not yet regulated or facing significant setbacks. Notably, the process of regulating seven groups has not even begun, while progress on another seven has effectively been frozen.
Environmental advocates say the delays have had real-world consequences. The report estimates that unlawful postponements have resulted in nearly 100,000 tonnes of additional chemical pollution, including harmful lead emissions from ammunition and fishing equipment.
Hélène Duguy, a lawyer at ClientEarth and co-author of the report, warned that the situation reflects a troubling lack of action. She said the roadmap had initially been “very encouraging” but added that, four years later, “things are really not looking good.”
Experts say many proposals have cleared early scientific stages but remain stuck in political decision-making, raising concerns about waning regulatory ambition and insufficient political will within EU institutions.
While some restrictions, such as limits on certain PFAS chemicals and lead in PVC, have been implemented, the broader strategy now risks losing credibility. Critics warn that without urgent action, the EU’s goal of leading global efforts to eliminate toxic substances could be undermined by its own delays.
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