Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:18 PM GMT


BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union ministers approved a landmark bill on Tuesday to protect the public from toxic chemicals, clinching a deal despite opposition from industry and cries from activists that the measure was too weak.

Ministers supported a compromise on Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) by a qualified majority, almost a month after the European Parliament backed a version of its own.

"I think we can now congratulate ourselves on a job well done," British Industry Minister Lord Sainsbury, chairing the meeting, said after the complex legislation was endorsed.

The law requires properties of roughly 30,000 chemicals produced or imported in the EU to be registered with a central agency. Those of highest concern, like carcinogens, would require testing and authorisation to be used.

REACH was designed to protect people and the environment from the adverse effects of chemicals found in a wide range of products such as paint, detergents, cars and computers.

The ministers' vote was delayed after Germany, home to Europe's largest chemicals companies, asked for more time for its new government to take a position.

Tuesday's vote is not the last step before REACH can become law. Ministers' political agreement must now be translated into all EU languages and sent to Parliament sometime next year. Lawmakers and member states will then have to resolve the differences between their versions.

One major sticking point is likely to be the authorisation phase. Parliament approved a measure that would require companies to substitute safe substances for dangerous ones when alternatives are available. The ministers' version does not include mandatory substitution.

Member states and Parliament both approved industry-friendly aspects in the registration phase that would substantially reduce the number of chemicals requiring tests to obtain health and safety data.