In the specific case of a divergence of scientific opinion relating to the hazard identification of chemical substances, a new procedure enabling the resolution of the divergence of opinion should be established. Under that procedure, the Commission should be able to request the European Chemicals Agency, as the Union agency best equipped with expertise and capacity in hazard assessment, and having much experience with the harmonised classification and labelling process, to develop a proposal for harmonised classification and labelling, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and Council. This would represent a step closer to the one substance, one assessment vision as regards uniformity of hazard assessments of chemicals across the Union, enhancing the protection of human health and the environment. This possibility should be incorporated in the provision on the resolution of diverging scientific opinions in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.
Text as published in the Official Journal, reproduced verbatim (including any typographical quirks of the source). For the authentic version, see EUR-Lex.
