The German government requested on Friday 4 November a postponement of decisions on REACH in the Council of Ministers. Political agreement had been expected at the November Competitiveness Council (28/29 November).

The Council has discussed REACH in detail over the last 2 years. Over 50 impact assessments have been conducted and proved that REACH is workable, have minor impact on business and would save up to 50 billion Euro in health benefits over the next 30 years. Moreover, at the recent Competitiveness and Environment Councils the Presidency's approach received significant support from Member States, including Germany. Despite this Germany now asks to delay the process. A decision regarding the request will be taken by the Council at the 11 of November.