Newsletter January 2015

Issue 1– January 2015

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Inside this issue Members’ news Fecc Activities EU Chemicals Legislation EU & Other News Calendar

2 4 6 11 12

Members’ news

Cornelius Group Board Reorganises For GrowthThe Board of Cornelius Group is pleased to announce a number of management changes to support its 2025 Vision for Growth.

Dr. Neville Prior, Group Chairman, comments: “The Board of Cornelius has been working on our long term vision and strategy and recognizes the need to develop the structure of the company to deliver its next phase of growth.”Long term Board Directors David Brown and Richard Herring remain with the Group in new Non Executive Director roles. David is now responsible for developing theCornelius sourcing and international business strategy working with Darren Spiby, Managing Director, who takes over responsibility for the overall UK & InternationalBusiness. Richard Herring will remain in a consulting role for the Human Resources function. “May I take this opportunity to thank David and Richard for their friendship, commitment and fantastic contributions they have made to the success of Cornelius over many years. I also look forward to seeing them continue to contribute to our growth in the years to come in their new roles. I also wish Darren every success in his extended role, which I believe will position Cornelius for a fantastic future in the many sectors we serve.”In a separate move, Joanna Stephenson joins Cornelius, as Non Executive Director, responsible for driving the marketing and strategic development of the Group. Source and information

Strategic board level appointment at Surfachem ltd Surfachem Ltd, a 2M Holdings Ltd company, is pleased to announce that Greg Barton has joined the board as Sales & Marketing Director as of the 1st of January 2015. Greg is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the sales & marketing strategy and organisation within Surfachem.

Greg joins Surfachem from Brenntag where he was responsible for the Life Sciences business marketing to the Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Food, Animal Nutrition and Personal Care industries.

Surfachem Group Ltd MD, Dr Richard Smith, said: "This board level appointment is a statement of Surfachem’s strategic intent to further grow our UK and international businesses.

Source and information

New chemical factory for NRC partner Sophim Sophim, longtime partner of Nordmann, Rassmann and European leader in the manufacture of natural squalene announces the acquisition of a factory located in Andalucía, South of Spain.

This plant will bring additional capacity and more concentrated raw materials in squalene. It is significantly increasing the production capacity for Olive Squalane and Olive Oil Unsaponifiables that are manufactured by Sophim France in Provence. Furthermore the new factory will guarantee the security of supply and the stability of prices on long-term basis.

Source and information

DKSH and Thai Otsuka continue success story in Laos DKSH, the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia, has entered an agreement to provide commercial and distribution services in Laos to Thai Otsuka Pharmaceutical, a Thailand-based joint venture of the Japanese pharmaceutical company. The agreement showcases DKSH’s strong position to help Asian clients to expand their regional footprint, thereby driving inner-Asian growth.

DKSH Business Unit Healthcare, a leading partner for healthcare companies seeking to grow their business in Asia, provides marketing and sales, registration and distribution services to bring its enteral nutrition products (medical food) to pharmacy and hospital channels in Laos.

Thai Otsuka Pharmaceutical and DKSH are long-term partners that started to cooperate in 2007. Following collaborations in Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar, the relationship is now expanded to Laos with four products including Aminoleban-Oral 450 g, Gen-DM 400 g, Neo-Mune 400 g and Pan-Enteral. Source and information

Members’ news

BASF plans worldwide expansion of PVP production  

Investment of up to €56 million in expansion of NVP/PVP value chain Extension of capacities in Ludwigshafen, Germany and Geismar, Louisiana; technology introduction in Shanghai, China  PVP – success story for more than 75 years: Polymer with versatile application options Ludwigshafen, Germany – January 22, 2015 – BASF plans to invest up to €56 million in the expansion of its Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) value chain over the next four years. PVP is a polymer which is used in diverse industries, for example the pharmaceutical or the personal and home care sector, mainly due to its binding properties. Through revamping existing plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany and Geismar, Louisiana and introducing the PVP technology at BASF’s site in Shanghai, China, the company will increase its global PVP production capacities by up to 6,000 metric tons. All plants will operate under the highest possible quality standards (current Good Manufacturing Practice). BASF is the inventor and one of the market leaders for PVP. Source and information

Thomas Arnold to be appointed CEO of Biesterfeld AG With effect of April 1st, 2015, Thomas Arnold is appointed CEO by the Supervisory Board of Biesterfeld AG, Hamburg. Thomas Arnold, currently member of the board of Biesterfeld AG and Managing Director of Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH, takes over from Birger Kuck, who will retire after 35 years with Biesterfeld.

After eleven years as CEO of Biesterfeld and with a total of 35 years serving the chemical distribution group, Birger Kuck will retire on March 31st, 2015. He is succeeded by Thomas Arnold. "I am particularly grateful to Birger Kuck, who led the company into its present strength and outstanding international market position, thus creating a solid foundation for our future growth, while keeping the spirit and values of a family business. Thomas Arnold is the ideal successor for us. We will benefit from his profound knowledge of the industry and our markets and from his versatile and international experience“, says Chairman of the Board, Dirk Biesterfeld.

Thomas Arnold was appointed to the board of Biesterfeld AG in July 2014. He joined the group in May 2013 as Managing Director at Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH. “I appreciate the confidence placed in me. The long-term development of Biesterfeld is a challenging and exciting task to which I will be very happy to contribute. Together with my board colleagues I will promote the growth and international development and expansion“, explains Thomas Arnold. Read more

Distribution Partnership: Biesterfeld Spezialchemie and Chemtura Flame Retardants in Italy Effective January 01, 2015 Chemtura Corporation has appointed Biesterfeld Polychem S.r.l., Milan, member of the Biesterfeld group, as exclusive distributor of their Great Lakes Solutions® product portfolio in Italy.

“We are very pleased with the expansion of our longstanding, pan-european cooperation with Chemtura. Great Lakes Solutions® flame retardants are an important extension of our polymer additive portfolio in Italy,“ explains Michael Pilz, Marketing Manager CASE, Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH. Chemtura (Philadelphia, USA) is a global specialty chemicals company offering a wide product portfolio for diversified markets. Chemtura’s flame retardants portfolio includes bromine-based and phosphorus-based flame retardants, antimony and smoke suppressants for the industries electronics & electrical, construction and transportation.

“Biesterfeld Spezialchemie is a very reliable partner with technical expertise. We are looking forward to further successful cooperation – now also on the Italian market,” says Albert Dantuma, Sales Director EMEA, Great Lakes Solutions®.

Source and information

Members’ news

The Management Team OF SAFIC-ALCAN, together with the Private Equity Funds and acquired the Group from Management Holding thereby a Majority Control Position.

The management team of Safic-Alcan, together with the private equity funds Sagard and Euromezzanine, just concluded the acquisition of their company from Parquest Capital. Safic Alcan ranks among the leaders in Europe for the distribution of specialty chemical products. Through this operation, Safic-Alcan’s management gains the majority control of the company.

Société Générale Capital Partners (SGCP) also joined Sagard and Euromezzanine among the ranks of Safic-Alcan’s financial partners.

This operation constitutes a new phase in the development of Safic-Alcan, which was majority owned by Parquest Capital since end of 2007 in a LBO carried out alongside the management team. During this period, Safic-Alcan experienced a significant growth, exceeding the objectives of its initial project, with revenues going from 250 M€ to nearly 400 M€, both through internal growth and build-ups.

Martial Lecat, CEO of Safic-Alcan, declared: “We are delighted by the arrival of Sagard and Euromezzanine, two long-term shareholders, within our capital. They will enable us to continue to develop the group with serenity, through external growth, as well as through internal growth. This operation is also a big step for Safic-Alcan in that it enables managers, who are heavily investing in the company’s capital, to gain the control of the group and thereby to reaffirm its independence”.

Antoine Ernoult-Dairaine (Sagard) and Thierry Raiff (Euromezzanine) added: “We are happy to provide Safic-Alcan with longterm financial means for its development. We have a great confidence in the management team and we fully subscribe to their ambition to reaffirm the European leadership of Safic-Alcan on its various lines of business”.

Denis Le Chevallier (Parquest Capital) declared: “We are very happy with the entrepreneurial success story we shared with management, as well as for the new chapter that is opening in the continuing independent development of Safic-Alcan”.

The financing structured for the acquisition was subscribed by HSBC and Natixis, both acting as a bookrunner, Natixis being also coordinator of the financing. Before the launch of the syndication, Société Générale joined HSBC and Natixis as a Senior Mandated Lead Arranger. Source and Information

BARENTZ PROUDLY ANNOUNCES NON GMO CERT ID CERTIFICATION FOR UNILECITHIN SUNFLOWER RANGE Barentz proudly announces non GMO certification from Cert ID for its Unilecithin Sunflower Lecithin ingredients range.

At the end of 2014, Cert ID Europe, the authority on Non-GM traceability certification has launched the first IP certification programme featuring unique PCR testing protocols specifically to detect cross-contamination of soy in sunflower lecithin destined for food production, and in particular, chocolate, confectionery and bakery.

The first company to certify their sunflower lecithin under this new programme is Unilecithin, a full service supplier of Lecithins, which is part of the Barentz group. Unilecithin has had more than 500 tonnes of sunflower lecithin tested and certified under the new Cert ID IP scheme, which is now available to the European food industry.

Read more

Fecc Activities

Sponsorship opportunities Join the already confirmed sponsors Azelis, Biesterfeld, Brenntag, Cornelius, Hedinger, Krahn Chemie,Nordmann Rassmann and Univar. Attracting over 200 leaders of the chemical distribution industry from Europe and beyond, the Fecc congress offers sponsors a unique opportunity to reach out and communicate with the decision makers in the chemical distributionandtradeindustry.

A range of tailor-made sponsorship and exhibition packages, have been designed specifically for you to optimise your company’s exposure. With both traditional and original new sponsorship possibilities, your company will benefit from maximum exposure to a narrowly defined target audience.

View the complete sponsorship opportunities package on: www.fecc-congress.com

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Fecc Activities

Fecc Annual Congress 2015 – Registration Today!

Always looking to improve, the Fecc Congress 2015 offers this year even better Networking opportunities. Following our delegates suggestions we will continue to have an extended opening reception and maximize the networking opportunities.

We invite all congress delegates and partners to enjoy a full evening of networking on the gorgeous rooftop of the Grande Bretagne Hotel. Attending the Opening Reception is a great start to the congress, three hours to meet fellow delegates in a unique setting.

This year’s motivational speaker Marc Woods is well-known to deliver an uncompromisingly honest message that, with its lasting appeal and powerful messages, motivates individuals and teams alike. Together with Marc’s personal story of facing adversity it is a journey that cannot help but inspire people to aim to be exceptional!

Marc Woods Register today on www.fecc-congress.com Fecc Congress Gala Dinner, The Dreams DREAMS

DREAMS

Opening Reception, Grande Bretagne Hotel, Rooftop Terrace 3

Safic-Alcan, PolymerTorg and Interallis latest distributors to join Fecc !

Brussels, January 2015-The European Association of Chemical Distributors (Fecc), the voice of the European chemical distribution industry, is pleased to announce that 3S–SafelyServingScience, PolymerTorg and Interallis leading distributors of industrial chemicals have recently joined the association.

Fecc is very proud to welcome three new members from France, Belarus and Cyprus who has proven over the years to maintain high standards of quality, environmental and safety performance. We constantly strive to further improve membership benefits and increase the number of services offered by our office. Developing our membership is a priority for us; we believe that working together is the way to drive our industry towards success.

Safic-Alcan, international distribution group of speciality chemicals, covers all Europe, Turkey and Middle-East. Historical leader on the Rubber market, the group keeps on developing in Coatings and Fine Chemicals, by strengthening or gaining new positions.

PolymerTorg Ltd. distributes and sells polymeric raw materials to the manufacturers in Belarus. It provides polythene of low pressure, polythene of a high pressure, linear polyethylene of low density, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, styrene copolymers, and color and modifier superconcentrates. The company is based in Minsk, Belarus.

Interallis is an international chemical distributor network, with Headquarters in Nicosia, Cyprus. Core activity of Interallis is the distribution of chemicals, representing leading producers, across SouthEast Europe. Their business model is based on geographic coverage in the SEE region, with more than 4.000 active customers, 2.000 products, providing B2B distribution solutions in order to link chemical suppliers and customers in the most profitable way.

For additional information please visit: www.safic-alcan.com/en/ www.interallis.com www.polymer.by/

Fecc Activities

New Responsible Care and Logistics Manager We are very delighted to inform you that Dr. Gerhard Ahlbrecht joined Fecc beginning of January in his function as RC and Logistics manger.

Gerhard has gained industry experience in a US corporation (specialty steel) managing part of its European distribution network (District Manager for dealers and OEMs) and as Customer Material Planner (CMP) coordinating the supply chain & logistics at the European level.

He got insight into the chemical industry as Management Consultant at the European Productivity Institute. Having worked several years for a membership-based European umbrella organisation promoting members’ interests towards the EU Institutions and other international organisations, he is familiar with European Public Affairs, EU regulatory issues and association management.

Gerhard studied in Germany (Master in International Business Studies and Doctorate in Political Science / Intercultural Communication), in France (International Relations and European Law), in the USA (Economics) and Belgium (EMBA). At the same time he pursued a career as Reserve Officer (LTC) in the German Military. He lives in Brussels since 1996, is married and has two daughters.

EU Chemicals Legislation

The Member State Committee unanimously agreed to identify the phthalate DEHP as an SVHC because of its endocrine disrupting properties in the environment Denmark proposed four phthalates - DEHP, DBP, DiBP, BBP to be identified as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) for their endocrine disrupting properties for human health and the environment. The Member State Committee (MSC) unanimously agreed to the identification of DEHP as a substance giving rise to equivalent level of concern due to its endocrine disrupting properties to the environment. For the other three phthalates (DBP, BBP, DiBP) Denmark decided to withdraw its proposals to identify these substances as SVHCs under Art 57(f) for the environment in order to further elaborate on the justifications provided in the documentation. These four phthalates are already listed in the Candidate List and Authorisation List due to their toxic for reproduction properties.

An MSC opinion with majority and minority views will now need to be compiled. In line with Article 59(9) of REACH, the ECHA Secretariat will submit the MSC opinion on the Danish proposals to the European Commission after its adoption in the MSC meeting in February 2015. Within three months of the receipt of the MSC opinion, the Commission shall prepare a draft proposal on the identification of these substances as SVHCs because of their endocrine disrupting properties for human health.

The Commission will take the final decision in the committee procedure.

EU Chemicals Legislation

Six new substances of very high concern (SVHCs) added to the Candidate List and one entry updated ECHA has added six new SVHCs to the Candidate List, based on the agreement of the Member State Committee and updated an existing entry to address an additional reason for inclusion. 

Substances included in the Candidate List for authorisation on 17 December 2014 and their SVHC

#

Substance name

EC number

CAS number

Reason for inclusion

1

Cadmium fluoride

232-222-0

7790-79-6

Carcinogenic (Article 57 a); Mutagenic (Article 57 b); Toxic for reproduction (Article 57 c); Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to human health (Article 57 f)

2

Cadmium sulphate

233-331-6

10124-36-4;

Carcinogenic (Article 57 a); Mutagenic (Article 57 b); Toxic for reproduction (Article 57 c); Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to human health (Article 57 f)

31119-53-6

3

2-benzotriazol-2-yl-4,6-

223-346-6

3846-71-7

PBT (Article 57 d); vPvB (Article 57 e)

247-384-8

25973-55-1

PBT (Article 57 d); vPvB (Article 57 e)

239-622-4

15571-58-1

Toxic for reproduction (Article 57 c)

-

-

Toxic for reproduction (Article 57 c)

di-tert-butylphenol (UV320) 4

2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)4,6-ditertpentylphenol (UV-328)

5

2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4 -dioctyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5 -dithia-4stannatetradecanoate (DOTE)

6

reaction mass of 2ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4dioctyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5dithia-4stannatetradecanoate and 2-ethylhexyl 10ethyl-4-[[2-[(2ethylhexyl)oxy]-2oxoethyl]thio]-4-octyl-7oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4stannatetradecanoate (reaction mass of DOTE and MOTE)



Entry updated in the Candidate List for authorisation on 17 December 2014:

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) meets the criteria for identification as an SVHC under Article 57(f) due to its endocrine disrupting properties causing probable serious effects to the environment. As DEHP is already included in the Candidate List based on its toxic for reproduction properties, this entry will be updated to address the additional reason for inclusion. As DEHP is already listed in the Authorisation List (Annex XIV), the European Commission would need to amend the corresponding entry for DEHP in the Authorisation List.

EU Chemicals Legislation

Registry of Intentions updated Restriction New intentions: • methanol (EC 200-659-6) from Poland • N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl formamide (EC 200-679-5) from Italy CLH New intentions:     

pyridazine-3,6-diol (EC 204-619-9), fludioxonil (ISO) (CAS 131341-86-1), pinoxaden (ISO) (CAS 243973-20-8), flutianil (ISO) (CAS 958647-10-4) 3-decen-2-one (EC 234-059-0)

New submitted proposals: • Amisulbrom (ISO) (CAS 348635-87-0) was submitted by the UK, • Phosmet (ISO) (EC 211-987-4) was submitted by Spain, • Maleic anhydride (EC 203-571-6) was submitted by Austria, • Succinic anhydride (EC 203-570-0) was submitted by Austria, • 4-tert-butylphenol (EC 202-679-0) was submitted by Norway, • S-methoprene (CAS 65733-16-6) was submitted by Ireland, • Oxathiapiprolin (CAS 1003318-67-9) was submitted by Ireland

The Public Activities Coordination Tool (PACT) updated The tool for advance notice on substances being considered for risk management (PACT) has been updated with nine new intentions for RMOA development. PACT is listing all current legislative actions conducted at national level on specific substances.

The Netherlands has submitted six new RMOA intentions: aniline (EC 200-539-3); penta-1,3-diene (EC 207-995-2); benzene1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2-anhydride (EC 209-008-0); tricobalt tetraoxide (EC 215-157-2); cobalt titanite green spinel (EC 269-047-4); fatty acids, C18 unsaturated, reaction product with ammonia-ethanolamine reaction by-products (EC 629-757-0).

ECHA has submitted three RMOA intentions: reaction mass of disodium 2-(hexadecylthio)-1-(4-sulfonatobutyl)-1Hbenzimidazole-5-sulfonate and disodium 2-(hexadecylthio)-1-(4-sulfonatobutyl)-1H-benzimidazole-6-sulfonate (EC 452-8301); tris(2-methoxyethoxy)vinylsilane (EC 213-934-0); copper sulphide (EC 215-271-2). Concern for these three substances is related to impurity.

In addition, Sweden has published a conclusion document on 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C6-10-alkyl esters (EC 271-094-0).

PACT-RMOA substances

EU Chemicals Legislation

REACH 2018 Roadmap published ECHA has published its REACH 2018 Roadmap, which outlines the milestones planned in the run up towards the final REACH registration deadline. The last registration deadline for existing chemicals will be on 31 May 2018. The deadline concerns companies that manufacture or import substances in low volumes, between 1-100 tonnes per year.

For the last REACH registration deadline, ECHA is expecting a significantly larger amount of small and medium-sized enterprises to register for the first time. Large companies may also have hundreds of chemicals in their portfolios to register.

To support all, ECHA has prepared a roadmap which describes the different milestones and support services that ECHA plans to give to the registrants from now until the deadline.

Similarly to the REACH 2018 web pages published in October 2014, the REACH 2018 Roadmap is based on the seven phases of a successful registration process. For each phase, the relevant milestones and an estimated timing for them is presented. ECHA invites all stakeholders to complement ECHA's actions to make sure that registrants are given the widest possible support network.

ECHA's REACH 2018 Roadmap [PDF] [EN]

ECHA is prioritising CMR substances for risk management There are currently about 1 400 individual substances and 23 groups of substances with a harmonised CMR classification. They are listed in Annex VI of the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. ECHA checked the notifications to the C&L Inventory against the harmonised classification and found that about 97 percent adhered to the ldegally binding harmonized classification. The situation was even better for notifications derived from REACH registration dossiers.

ECHA will now refer 12 registrations for individual substances on Annex VI to the national enforcement authorities for follow-up as they are not in line with the requirements of the CLP Regulation. A further 49 registrations for the group entry for lead compounds were also found to not adhere to the regulation. In the follow up of these, the first step is to clarify the exact nature of the compounds. The Agency is therefore contacting the registrants directly to ask them to clarify their classifications. ECHA urges all companies to check and update their notifications if needed.

As part of this study, ECHA also screened its databases to identify substances on the EU market with CMR properties which do not currently have a harmonised CMR classification. The analysis identified 5 675 substances classified as CMR substances by at least one notifier or registrant, of which 1 169 have been registered under REACH. These substances will now be prioritised to help Member State competent authorities conclude on appropriate risk management measures such as harmonised classification and, where relevant, identification as Substance of Very High Concern. This report demonstrates the added value of the REACH and CLP databases for improving the safe use of chemicals.

2014 CMR Report | C&L Inventory

Announcement of a new appeal The Board of Appeal has published an announcement of a new appeal. Case A-012-2014 concerns a compliance check decision.

Appeal announcements

For more information on Chemicals Legislation, please contact: OphĂŠlie Roblot +32 2 679 02 68 oro@fecc.org

EU Chemicals Legislation

Interactive map for DUs Please find below the link to an interesting map developed for DUs. In one page you have access to relevant information and documents regarding REACH and CLP. Have a look, it is a valuable document! http://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/966058/mindmap_du_en.pdf

2015 Latvian EU Presidency: focus on chemicals and nanomaterials The Latvian EU Presidency is defining a roadmap for the work in the chemicals area. Nanomaterials are coming onto the European agenda with the Commission to propose how to account for them under REACH. In close co-operation with the CARACAL subgroup on nanomaterials ("CASG Nano", composed of Member States Competent Authorities and stakeholder experts) the EU Commission is assessing possible further legislative modifications. A proposal is expected to be delivered in the beginning of 2015. The focus will be on Nano and REACH and nano in novel food. The Presidency will come-up with legislative proposals within their 6 months of activity. Source and information

Responsible Care and Logistics

Guidance documents on the Explosive Precursors Regulation The European Commissions has developed and made available for Member States authorities to adopt or adapt additional guidance for the implementation of the Explosive Precursors Regulation EU (No) 98/2013. It also includes guidance for economic operators and suppliers.

The guidance explains in further detail: 

The labelling requirements for Annex 1 substances above certain concentration that are

 

The reporting of suspicious transactions, disappearances and thefts.

The Security of premises / storage / usage for all companies storing explosives precursors; in

made available to the general public.

particular how access to their premises should be controlled.

Furthermore, a Q&A with most frequently asked questions was made available.

Final Guidelines on explosives precursors : http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/crisis-and-terrorism/explosives/docs/ guidelines_on_the_marketing_and_use_of_explosives_precursors_en.pdf Q&A document of the Standing Committee on Precursors on the Regulation 98/2013 on explosives precursors and its Guidelines : https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/064b53c7-06b2-4b7a-9adf-6b1ea896ec1a

For more information on Responsible Care and Logistics , please contact: Gerhard Ahlbrecht at +32 2 679 02 64 gah@fecc.org

EU & Other News

Cutting red tape: Savings of up to €48 million thanks to new rules for cross-border judgments New rules applying as of January 10thmean businesses and consumers will be able to resolve cross-border legal disputes more easily – bringing expected savings of up to €48 million each year in the EU. The rules abolish the costly and lengthy procedure, which is currently used 10,000 times per year to get judgments in civil and commercial matters recognised in other EU countries.

Starting January 10th, such cross-border judgments will be automatically enforceable across the EU. Consumers will also be better protected when buying from non-EU merchants; and businesses will have more legal certainty when doing business across the EU. The new measures deliver on the EU's promise to cut red tape and strengthen the EU's Single Market to boost sustainable economic growth.

"This is very good news for Europe's citizens and SMEs", Věra Jourová, the EU's Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality said. "These new rules could bring savings of between €2,000 and €12,000 per individual case. It is a successful delivery on the promise to cut red tape and strengthen the EU's Single Market.. Such action will make a significant difference in particular for small and medium enterprises and will open up many more opportunities for business across Europe".

These are the practical improvements, as of tomorrow: An enforceable judgment in civil and commercial matters in one Member State will be automatically enforceable anywhere in the EU. The rules abolish the cumbersome intermediate procedure – the "exequatur" procedure. This procedure typically costs €2,000 to €3,000 depending on the Member State, but could cost up to €12,700 including lawyers' fees, translation and court costs. In almost 95% of cases, this procedure was a pure formality.

The moment a judgment is made in any Member State, the creditor will be able to enforce it in any other – meaning businesses and citizens will be able to get their money back more quickly, easily and cost-free. Under exceptional circumstances, it will still be possible for courts to stop the judgment being enforced, for instance if the court in the other Member State violated the right to a fair trial.

Consumers and employees will be better protected in legal disputes involving non-EU countries. To date consumers were often not able to exercise their rights, when purchasing goods from a trader located in a non-EU country and selling products in an EU Member State. The new rules mean that across the EU, in any such dispute, the consumer will have access to the courts in the country where he or she is residing – the consumer will not need to go to the courts of the non-EU country. The new rules will also allow employees working in the EU to pursue legal proceedings against their employers located in a non-EU country in the courts of the Member State where they habitually work.

Legal certainty for choice of courts agreements between companies will be increased.In the past, choice of court agreements could be circumvented by bringing the dispute in the court of another EU Member State (and not in the chosen court) to delay the settlement of the dispute. Tomorrow's new rules end such abusive tactics by ensuring the chosen court receives priority in case of parallel proceedings. Source

UPCOMING EVENTS 10th Annual Chemical/Petrochemical Strategic Sourcing Summit: 3 - 5 March, Amsterdam.

4th Annual Pharma Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Summit: 3 - 5 March, Amsterdam.

For more information on International Trade, please contact : Joel D’Silva +32(0)2 679 02 62—jds@fecc.org

Calendar Date 2015 February 16 17 March 12 17-18

Meeting

Location

Biocides Task Force SHE Committee

Brussels Brussels

BOARD Meeting EXCiPACT Training

Brussels Brussels

20 27 April

Responsible Care International Trade

Brussels Brussels

23 May 5 6-8 27 28 June 10 July 29 September 8 23

ESAD Steering Committee

Cefic, Brussels

BOARD Meeting Annual Congress GTDP International Trade

Athens Athens Brussels Brussels

Responsible Care

Brussels

SHE Committee

Brussels

Responsible Care BOARD Meeting

Brussels Hamburg

29 October 21 22 November 25 26 December 3

ESAD Steering Committee

Fecc, Brussels

SHE Committee GTDP

Brussels Farmalabor,Italy

BOARD Meeting International Trade

Brussels Brussels

Responsible Care

Brussels

Contact us!

Fecc secretariat +32 2 679 02 60 • Uta Jensen-Korte, Director General ujk@fecc.org • Alexandra Mengesha, Communications Manager ame@fecc.org • Gerhard Ahlbrecht, Responsible Care and Logistics Manager gah@fecc.org • Joel D’Silva, Life Science & International Trade Manager jds@fecc.org • Ophélie Roblot, Health Safety & Environment Manager oro@fecc.org • Sarah Anhorn, Office Manager san@fecc.org

Owner and Publisher: The European Association of Chemical Distributors (Fecc) Rue du Luxembourg 16B, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium www.fecc.org

Chief editor: Alexandra Mengesha - Communications Manager +32 2 679 02 63, ame@fecc.org Editorial staff: Fecc Policy Managers Pictures: Shutterstock, PSD Graphics, member companies and private pictures

Disclaimer The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. Through this newsletter you are able to link to external websites which are not affiliated with or under the control of Fecc. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them.

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