Nanomaterials are not hazardous but the substances should be regulated under a legal framework for the protection of health and the environment. EU Commission released recommendations to define Nanomaterials in 2011. The recommendations define the Nanomaterials and the definitions are predominantly used in framing legal regulations related to environmental protection.

In June 2022, EU Commission released a new recommendation by updating the definition of Nanomaterials of the 2011 recommendation. The definitions are not binding but can be used by member states to frame other chemical regulations. The new definition explains the characteristics of particles present in Nanomaterials while the 2011 definition only defined them in general terms. The updated definition also excludes the flexibility section related to the threshold for the number of nanoparticles in a certain size while in the old update the general rule is that the nanomaterials are those who have 50% of said particles.

As the definitions are not binding, it will help the legislating authorities to develop a legal framework related to general and product-specific chemical regulation.  To know more about compliance and chemical substance regulation, contact our regulations expert team at APA Engineering Inc.

Reference:https://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/nanotech/faq/definition_en.htm