The European Commission has launched a new initiative to reduce administrative burdens in environmental legislation, known as the Environment Omnibus. While the stated aim is simplification, there are growing concerns that such measures could weaken the EU’s hard-won environmental safeguards.
HEJSupport has submitted its response to the call for evidence, emphasizing that simplification must never come at the cost of environmental protection, transparency, or democratic accountability.
The submission can be found HERE.
Simplification Must Not Weaken Protections
The European Commission’s Environment Omnibus aims to cut administrative burdens in environmental law. While efficiency matters, simplification must never come at the expense of weakening essential protections for nature, health, and citizens.
SCIP Database: A Cornerstone for Transparency
A central focus of HEJSupport’s submission is the SCIP database (Substances of Concern in Products), which plays a pioneering role in ensuring transparency and traceability of hazardous chemicals. SCIP is vital for a safe circular economy and for rolling out Digital Product Passports.
Rather than discontinuing SCIP, the EU should strengthen and expand it by:
- Adding product identifiers and barcode-based search.
- Enabling data export for better analysis.
- Ensuring compatibility with tools such as Scan4Chem.
- Harmonising company submissions and making the portal more user-friendly.
- Including options to notify articles without SVHCs above 0.1%.
Improving SCIP would support both consumers and industry while reinforcing Europe’s global leadership. The EU should also push for a global transparency and traceability system aligned with the UNEP Global Framework for Digital Product Information Systems.
Safeguards Still Matter
Environmental laws have proven effective, and weakening them would only create uncertainty and higher costs. Evidence shows that inaction already costs the EU around €180 billion annually—far more than implementing existing rules.
A Better Way Forward
The Omnibus should focus on strengthening implementation and enforcement, not lowering standards. Tools such as digital innovation, better guidance, and increased inspections can reduce burdens while maintaining strong protections.
Conclusion
Simplification must not weaken protections. Strengthening SCIP and focusing on enforcement will secure public trust, ensure competitiveness, and keep the EU on track as a global leader in environmental protection.
