With nanotechnology being a cross-sectional technology, the nano-specific aspects are being addressed in various European directives and regulations. These include the legal areas of chemicals, food & food contact materials, pesticides and biocides, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, occupational health & safety and environmental protection.
The website of the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) provides information on regulations and preannouncements for workplace safety. The BAuA announcement “Manufactured Nanomaterials” (BekGS 527) from 2013 contains assessment values for the safe use of nanomaterials at the workplace. REACH, the European regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, also includes the nanoform of substances without specifically addressing and assessing the nanoform yet. Since 2013 and 2014 respectively, regulations of cosmetics, biocides and food legislation include labelling requirements for nanosized ingredients. Further information on nano-specific regulations can be accessed via the following links
Germany
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) – Nanotechnology
- BAuA Announcement BekGS 527 “Manufactured Nanomaterials”
- REACH-CLP Helpdesk Germany
- German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) – General Information on regulations for nanotechnology
Switzerland
- Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) – Current Law
Austria
- NanoinformationPortal – Regelungen (in GERMAN)
- REACH-CLP Helpdesk Austria (in GERMAN)
