A coalition of 12 industry associations representing paints, adhesives, detergents, and other chemical sectors has signed a joint letter to the European Parliament's Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee, urging the swift adoption of the European Commission's CLP stop-the-clock proposal (COM(2025)0526). The proposal aims to delay CLP labelling requirements, and the groups argue that a rapid postponement using the simplified procedure would provide legal certainty and protect investments while the Chemicals Omnibus (COM(2025)0531) is being negotiated. Without timely action, they warn, investments to meet current deadlines—1 July 2026 for label updates, advertising, and distance sales, and 1 January 2027 for label formatting—could be wasted, and a clear, equal timeline is essential to preserve fair competition. Signatories include AmCham EU, AISE, Cefic, CEPE, Cosmetics Europe, DUCC, CropLife Europe, EFCC, FECC, FEICA, IFRA, and I&P Europe.
The letter comes amid ongoing efforts to simplify EU chemical regulations. On 15 April 2026, the European Parliament's ENVI and Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) committees held a joint debate on the chemical omnibus file, where rapporteurs Dimitris Tsiodras (EPP) and Piotr Müller (ECR) clashed over the balance between regulatory simplification and maintaining high safety standards. Tsiodras emphasized strict science-based safety, while Müller focused on easing burdens on producers. The committees subsequently voted on 15 April to adopt a joint draft report on the simplification of certain requirements and procedures for chemical products, known as the Chemical Omnibus, which amends the CLP Regulation, the Cosmetics Regulation, and the Fertilising Products Regulation. On 16 April, the committees formally backed the Omnibus VI package, with IMCO co-rapporteur Müller calling it a victory for common sense over red tape and a step to restore competitiveness. ENVI shadow rapporteur Pietro Fiocchi welcomed the outcome as targeted simplification that reduces burdens while safeguarding safety principles.
The industry letter reiterates concerns raised during the debate about the need for legal certainty and practical implementation timelines. The Commission's Omnibus VI proposal, which aims to simplify the chemical classification system, is currently being examined by co-legislators. The joint letter underscores the urgency of adopting the stop-the-clock proposal to avoid wasted investments and ensure a level playing field, as the broader omnibus negotiations continue.