The concept of essential use was introduced by the European Commission as part of its Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. In April 2024, it adopted criteria and guidelines to define what is meant by “essential”. Kastalie Bougas, from DG Environment, explained this at the 6th Annual Forum on Endocrine Disruptors organised by the European Commission at the end of October 2024.
“Why do we need an essential use concept?”, asked Kastalie Bougas from the outset. This is because a large number of the most harmful chemicals (for human health or the environment) that are technically useful are also very versatile.
“The concept of essential use really helps us to assess when it is justified, from a societal point of view, to use the most harmful chemicals. It allows us to identify non-essential uses where we can ensure that these substances are phased out more quickly, while continuing to control and phase out these uses and substances when they are more crucial to society.”
The purpose of the essential use concept
During a consultation, no two people gave the same definition of essential use. Defining essential use seemed easy at first, but the Commission services soon realised that it was in fact a very personal concept for everyone. Hence the need for a considered definition of essential uses, and of what this concept means for harmful substances.
Its main aim is to strengthen and accelerate the protection of human health and the environment, through harmonised incorporation into all regulations to improve their effectiveness and streamline the decision-making process. And, for Kastalie Bougas, …
