This year, the European Commission is set to propose its updates for the REACH regulation, which controls the use of chemicals in the EU with a focus on protecting people and the environment from dangerous chemicals. Currently, companies must prove chemicals are safe through a process which usually involves excessive animal testing due to strict regulations. Even though the law says animal testing should only be conducted as a “last resort,” this is rarely the case; as a result, over 150,000 animals suffer every year in the EU for chemical testing purposes.
The upcoming revision to REACH provides a critical opportunity for progress and change – to modernize and simplify the regulations whilst sustaining commitments to protect humans and the environment. EU policymakers must seize the opportunity to mandate the use of the latest science and technology, incorporating non-animal methods instead of animal testing wherever possible. This will help to create a coherent EU policy framework and align with EU’s commitments such as the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) and the Commission's Roadmap towards phasing out animal testing.
Humane World for Animals has submitted its REACH revision position paper with recommended concrete policy actions to help pave the way towards science without suffering. Read our full position paper.
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Jean Chung/HSI