So far the REACH Candidate List has failed its purpose to list and subsequently restrict or authorise the known Substances of Very High Concern, SVHCs, with only 29 nominations in the past two years. However, a newly announced roadmap including specific number targets gives reason to hope.
Mr Peter van der Zandt representing DG Environment has stated that DG Environment and DG Industry, in discussion with ECHA and the Member States, have agreed to include additional 106 substances in the Candidate List by 2012. The majority of the dossiers will be provided by the Member States, which implies that the Commission itself will support or even prepare dossiers.
Furthermore, all relevant SVHCs will be put on the Candidate List by 2020. This underpins the EU commitment to achieve the UN 2020 goal to minimise the adverse effect of chemicals on health and environment. Even though "relevant" is not defined in detail, at least 400-500 substances already collected by some Member States will find its way onto the Candidate List, believes Mr. Van der Zandt. DG Environment reckons that up to 1200 substances fulfil the criteria.
Sceptical questions about the capacities of Member States have been answered: The targets are set, if there are signs that they can not be met, the targets will not be changed, but the processes.
