Dangerous substances: carcinogens, mutagens or toxic to reproduction, c/m/r (23rd amend. Directive 76/769/EEC)

The Commission states that it cannot accept the amendment proposed by the European Parliament. It is obvious that CMR substances incorporated in products will pose lower risks than CMR substances in preparations. Therefore, the Commission is of the opinion that the risk assessment procedure should be the essential and necessary basis for restrictions on CMR substances in products. As regards the general issues of reduction of risks from dangerous substances, the Commission draws attention to the important changes which will be brought about under the new chemicals strategy and which are of direct relevance in meeting the objectives sought by the proposed amendment. These changes will involve the registration of some 30000 substances through a process where industry will have to submit data including a preliminary risk assessment for each of those substances. In addition, the authorisation procedure which will apply in the case of substances of very high concern, including CMRs, will involve more stringent requirements.�