EFCC’s Manifesto for the EU legislative term 2024-2029 - Constructing a Sustainable and Competitive Future for Europe’s Construction Sector
As newly elected and appointed European policymakers take office, we, the European Federation of Construction Chemicals (EFCC), present the key priorities that we think could support a successful transition to a thriving, competitive, and sustainable construction sector.
EFCC joined the signatories to the Antwerp Declaration
EFCC has joined the signatories to the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal, launched in February 2024. The Antwerp Declaration calls for a ‘comprehensive action plan to elevate competitiveness as strategic priority and create the conditions for a stronger business case in Europe’. It is requested to be the first big policy initiative of the new European Commission which would complement and reinforce the European Green Deal and create clarity, predictability, and establish a targeted industrial policy.
Position on the proposal for a Regulation on a common data platform on chemicals
EFCC together with DUCC members expressed its support for the main objective of the OSOA approach presented under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, and transparency of issuing safety assessments of chemicals across different pieces of EU legislation. EFCC also welcomes the legislative proposal regarding the establishment of a Common Data Platform on Chemicals (CDPC) and takes the opportunity to express its concerns regarding the scope and definitions, study notifications, as well as confidentiality and data management in response to the EC public consultation.
Reiteration of the major negative impact on industry of the current CLP proposal regards minimum requirements for labelling
As a follow-up of the industry cross sector group letter of 5 September 2023, today industry released a new joint letter to reiterate the major negative impact on industry of the current CLP proposal as regards minimum requirements for labelling. In the new letter industry invites legislators to keep an open mind going in the trilogue discussions regarding minimum font size requirements.
EFCC joins cross-sector call for a rethink regarding CLP revision
EFCC together with several industry federations calls for urgent dialogue and a rethink regarding CLP Revision. We focus on three key aspects that will have a major negative impact on industry and the environment: - he new 6-month timeline for label updates instead of the 18 months transition period provided in Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP) to CLP for harmonised classifications to become mandatory - the tabled amendment within the European Parliament to prohibit environmental claims on mixtures classified as hazardous or carrying supplemental labelling - the proposed requirement of a minimum font size - we suggest to follow ECHA’s guidance of 1.2mm x-height as the minimum font size
EFCC position on the data handling aspects of the revised Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
EFCC supports the key objectives of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) revision, and in particular the ones aimed at addressing the shortcomings of the current rules, enhancing the sustainability of construction products and contributing to the objectives of the green and digital transition of the European economy. However, EFCC members have been concerned about the planned introduction of a significant number of additional data sharing requirements. Members consider many of the additional data sharing requirements as not improving the accessibility of relevant digital product information for citizens and authorities, whilst adding a very significant administrative burden on the construction chemicals industry.
EFCC with other DUCC members released the last statement before the Council vote on the revision of the CLP
Tomorrow the European Council votes on the compromise proposal on the revised EU legislation on hazard classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP). EFCC with other downstream user associations reiterated their concerns related to the revised proposal. We request more flexibility on the labelling requirements and reasonable transition periods for the application of the new criteria. You can read more details below.
Rules on the new hazard classes under CLP are in force as of today
The rules on the new hazard classes under are in force as of 20 April 2023. For new substances on the market, companies need to comply with the new rules from 1 May 2025, whereas substances that have already been on the EU market, companies have until 1 November 2026 to comply. Separate transition times apply for mixtures. New hazard classes apply from 1 May 2026 to new mixtures, whereas companies have until 1 May 2028 to update the classification and labelling for existing mixtures. ECHA has published a new page on their website regarding the new hazard classes under CLP.