This industry supports balanced political objectives which aim to unlock untapped opportunities for economic growth and competitiveness of the sector, while ensuring the protection of end-users and the environment. We have a long and proven track-record of proactive engagement and voluntary initiatives to which we remain committed. 

This commitment requires EU policy makers to ensure a regulatory framework which is based on the following essential principles to enable business to continue to create economic growth:

The enshrinement of the core belief that European regulations and policies should be founded on sound science and a risk-based assessment of chemicals.

The future development and review of European legislation through an approach which ensures coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, proportionality and demonstrates the relevance and added-value of EU action. This includes early consultation of economic operators concerned, reduction of administrative burdens, reasonable deadlines for implementation, and international convergence. Stakeholders must be included in the consultation process so that legislation can be implemented in Europe with, not against, industry. 

See also: European Commission Cumulative Cost Assessment for the chemical industry 

The development of a suitable framework which fosters innovation for the industry in line with the "Innovation Principle”; which acknowledges that Europe’s ability to attract investments requires a pro-innovation regulatory context; and which calls on to the Commission and Member States to urgently address existing barriers. 

A new boost for a "deeper and fairer internal market” which truly facilitates the license to operate for our industry through the removal of existing barriers, gold plating requirements and diverging interpretations of EU legislation in the Member States. We call on the European Commission to be the sole interpreting voice of EU legislation and ensure greater simplification and harmonisation throughout the internal market.

We ask for a greater acknowledgment of the public health and cleanliness benefits provided by our industry, through an integrated and holistic approach that guarantees end-user safety, environmental responsibility, and recognises the role and usefulness of safe ingredients and the societal benefits provided by our products to the EU. 

The trust and confidence that our industry will continuously strive to deliver cleaning and hygiene solutions with a smaller footprint; contribute to the European and global agenda on sustainable development and voluntarily take action to address its ‘hot spots’ ; through joint commitments and the sharing of best practices.