\n<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t22\/05\/2025<\/span> Changes to regulations and processes will introduce new restrictions on the use of hazardous chemicals in the EU. These could impact space programmes, the space sector and its supply chains \u2013 PFAS, chromates and the REACH revision take centre stage. Register for ESA\u2019s free workshop on 17 June providing clarification on these changes and join us for a panel discussion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Manufacturers, importers and users of hazardous chemicals as well as producers and suppliers of articles and assemblies are bound under EU chemical legislation including the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) and CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures) Regulations.<\/p>\n Under the current EU REACH Regulation, the European Commission intends to move chromium (VI) substances such as chromium trioxide and strontium chromate from the authorisation list (Annex XIV) to the restrictions list (Annex XVII) after their long-expired \u2018sunset dates\u2019 where they were to be phased out of use, unless suitable alternatives are not available. This raises questions by remaining users of these substances under the authorisation system regarding the transition timelines and modalities, while compliance with authorisation remains a complex task in the meantime. \u00a0<\/p>\n Furthermore, the REACH restriction process for the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as \u2018forever chemicals\u2019 and comprising more than 10,000 individual substances, remains an issue of serious concern for those in the European space sector.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n A vast number of space applications would be impacted by the ban proposed by five national authorities. The proposal is currently with the European Chemicals Agency\u2019s (ECHA) scientific committees for assessment. Stakeholders from the aeronautics, space and defence domain have been actively participating in providing feedback and information to the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) on the disruptive effects these changes would have on industrial supply chains.<\/p>\n In addition, the revised EU political agenda after the 2024 European elections requires attention, as the new European Commission set out to boost competitiveness of the EU industry, including through a Chemicals Industry Package (CIP). This aims to clarify policy intentions on PFAS and \u201csimplify REACH\u201d as part of a targeted revision of the REACH Regulation, with a Commission proposal due for adoption in the fourth quarter of 2025. This REACH Revision would complement the CLP Revision, that entered into force at the end of 2024.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n On Tuesday 17 June 2025, ESA will hold its 6th<\/sup> REACH Workshop at ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, with an option to join online via Webex.<\/p>\n This interactive full-day event (9:00\u201317:30 CET) will explain and discuss the current state of play, challenges and risks associated with EU chemicals regulations. It will cover mainly REACH\/CLP and other laws such as those addressing \u201csubstances of concern\u201d with experts from European space agencies, regulators and industry including small- and medium-sized enterprises.<\/p>\n Furthermore, related requirements and evolutions in Switzerland and the UK will be highlighted, assessing the status of alignment and divergence with the EU.<\/p>\n ESA invites interested stakeholders from national space agencies including NASA and JAXA, industry, other sectors, NGOs and representatives from the European Commission, ECHA, the European Defence Agency (EDA), national agencies and ESA Member States.<\/p>\n Register now to take part in this event.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\t\t\t\t72<\/span> views<\/small><\/span>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3<\/span> likes<\/small><\/span><\/p>\n<\/header>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFree one-day workshop at ESA<\/h2>\n