Many scientists believe that the highest growth potential for improved applications lies in nanomaterials. This technology is not without controversy and the law is only now trying to catch up with the technological progress.
Although the risks posed by nanomaterials are still scientifically uncertain and there is no European consensus on how to regulate them at the EU level, some Member States have unilaterally imposed regulations which apply to users and producers doing business in those countries. In particular, France, Denmark and Belgium have introduced registers of nanomaterials put on the market. The Belgian approach in particular imposes significant new obligations which require action before they become effective on 1 January 2016.
The table below sets out the key parameters of the three registration regimes. In contrast to the French and Danish regimes, the Belgian law applying from 1 January 2016 requires notification before importing or placing the nanomaterial on the market; there are substantial fines of up to €720,000 and even criminal sanctions for failures to notify.
Your company is likely asking the following questions:
- How Are Nanomaterials Currently Regulated in the EU?
- What is Required Under the National Nanomaterials Registers?
- What Does This Mean in Practice?
Learn more from Anthony Bochon of Squire Patton Boggs via his article entitled“Growing issues in a miniature world: Nanomaterials registers in the European Union”
