EU's REACH reform skips Parliament in swift chemical law update

EU bypasses Parliament to fast-track controversial chemical safety reforms

The European Commission is set to bypass the European Parliament in reforming the EU’s chemical safety laws. Known as REACH, these rules regulate tens of thousands of chemicals for their risks to health and the environment. After six years of planning a full overhaul, the Commission now plans to push changes through a faster, less transparent process.

The move has drawn mixed reactions, with lawmakers from different political groups signalling possible support. Industry lobbyists, meanwhile, have long resisted major revisions to REACH, warning of instability for businesses. The REACH regulation has governed chemical safety in the EU since 2007. It requires companies to assess and register substances, many of which are hazardous. A full revision was initially proposed to align the rules with the EU’s green ambitions, including stricter controls on toxic chemicals.

But the Commission’s focus has shifted. Instead of pursuing a broad overhaul through the usual legislative process, it now favours a technical route called comitology. This would allow the EU executive to amend REACH directly, without input from the Parliament or the Council of the EU.

In recent months, the Commission has held private meetings with lawmakers to gauge support for this approach. EU environment chief Jessika Roswall and industry chief Stéphane Séjourné have met with multiple political groups. The response so far suggests many could accept the change, despite the reduced role for elected representatives.

Under the new plan, member states would still have a say through the REACH committee, which advises the Commission. However, the Council of the EU—the body representing national governments—would lose its formal decision-making power. The chemicals industry, represented by lobby group Cefic, has repeatedly argued against reopening REACH, citing risks to business certainty.

A full revision was deemed too politically sensitive and unpredictable. The Commission now argues that targeted amendments via comitology will streamline updates while avoiding lengthy negotiations. Critics, however, warn that sidelining the Parliament could weaken democratic oversight of chemical safety rules. The Commission’s decision marks a significant change in how REACH will be updated. By using comitology, the EU executive can fast-track amendments without full legislative scrutiny. The shift reflects a broader prioritisation of industrial competitiveness over lengthy environmental reforms.

Member states will retain some influence, but the European Parliament’s exclusion removes a key layer of public debate. The final shape of the reforms will now depend on technical discussions rather than open political negotiations.