European Parliament Environment Committee dismiss objection to classification of titanium dioxide

In a vote on 3 December 2019 a majority in the European Parliament’s Environment Committee did not support the resolution tabled by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group objecting to the delegated act (annex) as regards the proposal to classify titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a suspected carcinogen (category 2) by inhalation. This means that no resolution for an objection will be tabled on behalf of the Environment Committee for a vote in the European Parliament’s Plenary gathering.

 

It is still possible for a political group or a group of MEPs to table a resolution objecting to the delegated act for a vote in the European Parliament’s Plenary. These would need to reach the low threshold representing one-twentieth of Parliament’s 751 Members or one-twentieth of a political group to table a resolution. Any resolution will need to be approved by a majority of 376 MEPs in the Plenary of the European Parliament.

 

The resolution tabled by the ECR objected  to the classification of TiO2 as it goes beyond what is necessary and proportionate to address any potential health risks arising from potential workplace exposure to TiO2 powder and risks stigmatising the substance in other forms as being unsafe. The resolution called on the Commission to withdraw the delegated regulation and to consider other options such as a harmonised occupational exposure limit (OEL) for TiO2 within the framework of the occupational health legislation.

 

TDMA fundamentally disagrees with the proposed classification and has consistently made our views known throughout the regulatory discussion since 2017. TDMA continues to engage with the Authorities and will keep stakeholders updated as we learn more about developments of relevance during the scrutiny period.

 

Should you have any questions or inquiries, please contact us at tdma@cefic.be