Environment and public health: restrictions on the use of toluene and TCB (amend. Directive 76/769/EEC)

 The committee adopted the report by Karl-Heinz FLORENZ ( EPP-ED , DE ) approving the proposal under the 1st reading of the codecision procedure, subject to just one amendment. This aimed to ensure that TCB could continue to be used in the manufacture of 1,3,5 - trinitro - 2,4,6 - triaminobenzene (TATB), which is specifically used in the manufacture of Insensitive Munitions (IM). These ensure that munitions do not detonate in the event of accidental situations. As there is currently no alternative to TATB in the manufacture of IM, the committee pointed out that an exemption was needed so that safety standards of munitions and for civilians living near stockpiles could be guaranteed.