ECHA appreciates the opinions of its stakeholders

Helsinki, 18 October 2012 - ECHA appreciates the interest shown in its work by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) and ClientEarth in their recent REACH implementation report. Both organisations are Accredited Stakeholders of the Agency and have been working with ECHA to help realise the legislation's ambitious aims.

ECHA is open to receiving constructive feedback and indeed shares some of the concerns highlighted in the report. However, the Agency refutes some of the comments made, in particular on independence and transparency of decision making. ECHA is conscious that its work and decisions are crucial for the protection of human health and the environment, and have an impact on industry.  As such, ECHA makes every effort to act transparently and independently.

The Agency's response to EEB and ClientEarth is below.