Chemical firms have called the planned regulations unworkable in their current form.
The white paper calls for the testing and documenting of all chemicals in use or production in the EU, with the onus on businesses to provide that information.
Its got far-reaching consequences and will have cost implications, said Sun Chemical Gibbon R&D director Ian Hargreaves.
One concern is that the increased costs will prove too high for low-volume and low-value chemicals and their production will stop.
The European Council of Paint, Printing Ink and Artists Colours Industry (CEPE) and the British Coatings Federation (BCF) are working on a response. Picon is also lobbying.
Story by Barney Cox
