Verheugen hints at reform of controversial chemicals plan

Commissioner designate for Industry, Gunter Verheugen, has hinted he may reform controversial proposals to carry out safety checks on 30,000 chemicals in Europe - about one third of the total used.

The proposals, known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals), are fiercely opposed by the European chemicals industry, which fears it may be strangled by administrative costs and red tape if the plans come into force.

Speaking at his three-hour hearing in f...