European Auto Industry Braces for New Chemical Legislation

LONDON – A new crackdown on dangerous chemicals by the European Union will have a direct effect on the region’s auto industry.

The proposed legislation, known as REACH (registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals), has been adopted by the European Parliament and now requires agreement by the 25 EU member countries. This likely will be given – at least in principle – by year-end.

The REACH proposal, which calls for extra testing and registration of 30,000 ...