Change of course in EU chemicals policy: No opening of REACH

The European Commission has decided not to fundamentally revise the REACH Regulation for the time being. This marks the end of a years-long reform process that originally envisaged far-reaching changes to European chemicals legislation.

No REACH reopening

At the end of April 2026, European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall made it clear that the European Commission will not reopen the REACH Regulation at this stage. Instead of pursuing a comprehensive revision that had been in preparation for years, the Commission is focusing on stability, regulatory predictability, and targeted adjustments within the existing legal framework.

Rather than undertaking structural reform, the Commission is adopting an incremental approach: technical updates, enhanced market surveillance, and simplification measures are intended to improve the efficiency of the current regulation without altering its fundamental structure. The objective is to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining a high level of protection.

Chemicals agenda and calls for relief

The decision must be seen against the backdrop of national industrial policy initiatives, particularly in Germany. With the chemicals agenda presented in March 2026, the German government introduced a package of measures aimed specifically at strengthening the sector’s competitiveness.

A key element of this agenda is the call for simplification of EU chemicals legislation. A comprehensive revision of REACH is viewed critically. Instead, German policymakers advocate maintaining the existing core structure, supplemented by targeted relief measures, for example regarding deadlines, data requirements, and digital processes.

The economic situation of the chemical industry plays a decisive role in this context. High energy prices, global competitive pressure, and structural challenges are prompting many stakeholders to call for reduced regulatory complexity and greater planning certainty.

Different reactions

The decision to suspend the REACH revision has been welcomed by parts of the industry. The Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) described the move as an important contribution to strengthening competitiveness and as a signal towards reducing bureaucratic burdens.

At the same time, some questions remain. From a political perspective, discussions continue as to whether abandoning a comprehensive reform will meet long-term requirements for environmental and health protection. Critical voices point out that key aspects of modernization are being postponed.

Nevertheless, it is becoming apparent that the EU will increasingly advance its chemicals policy through targeted individual measures. In particular, topics such as PFAS restrictions, market surveillance, and digitalisation are expected to gain importance and shape the regulatory agenda in the coming years.

Even without a comprehensive REACH revision, regulation continues to evolve. We monitor developments for you and support you with tailored, individualised monitoring.

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