Swedish victory in the EU Court on toxic lead chromates

- The government is very pleased that the Tribunal today has gone on Sweden's line. Blyromates are very toxic and the verdict is therefore a victory for our health and for the environment, says Environment and Climate Minister Isabella Lövin.

Sweden sued the Commission in November 2016 for authorizing the use of lead chromates in the EU. Blyromates are carcinogenic and teratogenic. When it comes to such hazardous substances, the EU Commission can only grant permission when it is shown that there are no alternative substances that can be used instead. In this case, it is obvious that there are alternatives because lead chromates are almost completely phased out in the EU. In Sweden, lead chromates have not been used for 30 years.

The judgment strengthens the principle that particularly hazardous substances should be phased out when there are suitable alternatives. It is of great importance for future licensing decisions in the area of ​​chemicals.