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On the horizon

Proposed directive amending the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (2004/37/EC)

Government department lead

HSE

Background

The European Commission is proposing an amendment to the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (2004/37/EC). This Directive consolidated the Carcinogens Directive (90/394/EEC) and subsequent amendments. The first stage of Social Partner consultation occurred in 2004, the second stage of Social Partner consultation happened in spring 2007. After taking account of the comments received from Social Partners, it is expected that the Commission will publish a draft Directive in the near future.

Main provisions

The main proposals, as set out in the second stage of Social Partner consultation, are:

  1. For the scope of the Directive to be extended to cover substances classified as Category one and Category two Toxic to Reproduction.
  2. For the exposure limits for the three substances listed in Annex III of the Directive to be reviewed.
  3. For additional exposure limits for carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction substances to be placed in Annex III.

Next steps

Once the Commission publishes a draft text of a Directive, HSE will start negotiations, and undertake the preparation of a Regulatory Impact Assessment.