Throughout the CSS process, we have advocated for proportionate solutions to achieve the European Commission’s objectives, while protecting industry’s ability to innovate and remain competitive. We have provided concrete proposals to the Commission in our responses to the public consultations on REACH and CLP. Just last week, we have published additional proposals specifically linked to the reform of REACH Authorisation and Restriction. Regarding CLP, we have consistently supported addressing new hazard classes first under the United Nationals Globally Harmonized System (UN GHS), to promote an international level playing field and prevent barriers to trade. We understand the Commission is nevertheless pressing ahead with new hazard classes under CLP, before waiting for discussions to take place at UN GHS. We will be providing input and suggestions for improvement on the new hazard classes through the Commission’s request for feedback.
Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability: a targeted implementation continues to be the priority
The future direction of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) has been publicly debated over the last few days, including the question of a potential delay or moratorium on the revision of REACH. While the economic and geopolitical conditions in Europe have certainly worsened this year, the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) continues to support targeted improvements to existing chemicals legislation, grounded in science and better regulation principles.

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Industry calls for stable and evidence-based implementation of the Single-Use Plastic Directive
Together with nine other associations, AmCham EU has signed a joint statement on the evaluation of the Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD), calling on EU institutions to avoid reopening the Directive. A revision at this stage would create uncertainty for operators and could also increase costs and deepen fragmentation across the Single Market. Several SUPD provisions are not yet in place. Data on implementation remain limited, making it too early to assess whether the Directive is meeting its objectives. The statement also underlines the need to address gaps in transposition and enforcement. It warns against overlaps with EU legislation such as the Ecodesign Regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the Circular Economy Act. Learn how the EU can support certainty and the Single Market in the joint statement.
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The Circular Economy Act: a silver bullet for harmonisation?
On Wednesday, 27 May, AmCham EU hosted Paulina Dejmek Hack, Head of Cabinet for Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, European Commission, for a discussion on the upcoming Circular Economy Act. Moderated by Luca Ibelli (Procter & Gamble), Vice-Chair, Environment Committee, AmCham EU, the exchange explored how the Act can support Europe’s wider simplification agenda by reducing fragmentation and strengthening competitiveness. Participants also discussed the importance of a harmonised framework grounded in a clear business case, ensuring circular economy policies help companies operate effectively across the Single Market.
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Revision of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation: Following a balanced Report, trilogues must secure simplification
Today, the European Parliament adopted its Omnibus VI report, including the revision of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, by 540 votes to 60. The outcome supports a more streamlined framework by easing the regulatory burden on value chains that rely on chemicals and sending a positive signal of the EU’s commitment to reducing unnecessary complexity.
With the Council’s position agreed in November 2025, the Parliament’s report marks the final step before trilogues, which will conclude negotiations on the targeted revision of the CLP Regulation.
The report largely aligns with the Commission’s simplification agenda and strengthens the CLP Regulation’s overall workability, especially with regards to:
Transition periods, setting 18 months following classification updates and allowing digital contact information to be updated on the label in line with suppliers’ regular update cycles. This better reflects supply chain realities.
Advertising and distance sales requirements, appropriately excluding business-to-business settings while ensuring consumers remain protected; and
Label legibility requirements, with more proportionate minimum font sizes and rules on background contrast, spacing and overall layout. However, further simplification is still needed to ensure sufficient flexibility for businesses.
While the report represents a constructive step forward, trilogues should address remaining constraints and clarify language that is currently difficult to interpret, including further simplification on font sizes and advertising requirements in business-to-consumer settings. These negotiations should draw on the more proportionate approaches of the Commission and the Council.
Maintaining a strong focus on simplification will be key to further alleviating administrative burdens and strengthening the EU’s resilience and competitiveness.
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