CPCA Prepares for WTO Showdown Over EU Classification for Titanium Dioxide
OTTAWA, Ontario — The European Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to proceed with a number of regulatory actions including the proposal to classify titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a Category 2 Carcinogen under the EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. If allowed to proceed, this regulation will cause significant global trade disruptions that will impact Canadian industries including paint and coatings.
The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA) has been engaged on this issue through its membership in the International Paint and Print Ink Council (IPPIC) and its member associations in Europe. The WTO notification allows for non-European countries to engage on the issue as it is a Technical Barrier to Trade (TBT). CPCA is now engaging with Canadian trade authorities regarding the significant and unwarranted socio-economic and trade impacts that would result from the proposed classification, which would provide no benefits for the protection of human health.