| Posted: Oct 22, 2010 |
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European Commission opens public consultation on the draft definition of the term 'nanomaterial'
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(Nanowerk News) In its response to the European Parliament resolution of 24 April 2009, the Commission agreed on the need to develop a definition, preferably at global level, to serve as a basis also for EU regulation and implementing measures and instruments.
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The Commission is now putting forward a draft Recommendation containing such a definition for public consultation. Stakeholders are invited to send their views on the envisaged definition of the term 'nanomaterial' by 19 November 2010 to [email protected]. Responses will be placed on the Commission's website unless explicitly requested otherwise by the stakeholders in their response.
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The text builds notably on the work done by the Commission's Joint Research Centre and the input of the Scientific Committee for Emerging or Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) which itself conducted a public consultation on its work earlier this year1. It takes the work of international organisations2 and third countries in this field into account.
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The draft definition consists of three criteria. Whenever one of the criteria is fulfilled a material is considered to be a nanomaterial. The reasoning behind the three criteria is explained in the recitals.
The draft Recommendation is only intended for consultation purposes and does not represent or prejudge the Commission's final position.
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All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute to this consultation. Contributions are particularly sought from market participants, consumer and non-governmental organisations, academia, national governments and national competent authorities.
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The period of consultation is from 21.10.2010 to 19.11.2010
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