R-1234yf: Chilling effect – EU Commission alleges possible collusion over in car air conditioning systems

The European Commission has issued a Statement of Objections against Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont). The Commission’s allegations centre on certain agreements the parties entered into in 2010 over the production of a new refrigerant for use in car air-conditioning systems (R-1234yf). The Commission believes that the […]

Honeywell hits back over EU Commision’s 1234yf ‘Objection’

Honeywell has defeneded its stance over the development of the refrigerant 1234yf and its relationship with Du Pont, after the EU Commision released a Statement of Objections. In a statement it said: “The allegations outlined in the Statement of Objections are baseless and conflict with the EU’s own laws that encourage collaboration on development. Honeywell […]

R-1234yf. DuPont Statement: European Commission Investigation

WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 21, 2014 – Thierry F.J. Vanlancker, president, DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts, said the following about the European Commission’s Statement of Objections: “DuPont has complied at all times with applicable laws in its development and commercialization of HFO-1234yf, and we plan to defend vigorously against the Commission’s allegations and preliminary conclusions. This is […]

R-1234yf. Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Honeywell and DuPont regarding cooperation on new refrigerant used in car air conditioning systems

The European Commission has informed Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell) and E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) of its preliminary view that the cooperation they entered into in 2010, based on several agreements on the production of a new refrigerant for use in car air-conditioning systems (R-1234yf), may have limited its availability and technical […]

Potential PFOA Precursors

Literature study and theoretical assessment of abiotic degradation pathways leading to PFOA .   The Norwegian Environment Agency , in cooperation with German Environment Authorities, is preparing a report proposing regulations on PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and precursors. PFOA (or its ammonium salt), is mainly used as a processing aid in the production of […]

Commission urges Italy to ensure that water intended for human consumption is healthy and clean

The European Commission is opening infringement proceedings against Italy for its failure to ensure that water intended for human consumption meets European standards.Water contamination from arsenic and fluoride is a long-standing problem in Italy, and for the Latium Region in particular. Under the Drinking Water Directive, Member States have to monitor and test water used […]

ICF appeals against General Court judgment in Aluminium Fluoride cartel case

On 16 November 2013, details were published of an appeal brought by Industries Chimiques du Fluor (”ICF”) against a judgment of the General Court (”GC”) dismissing ICF’s appeal against the Commission’s decision whereby the Commission fined ICF and other aluminium fluoride producers for price-fixing in violation of Article 101 TFEU. ICF alleges that the GC […]

BASF challenges EU ban on fipronil pesticide

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – German chemicals group BASF said it launched a legal challenge against the European Commission’s ban of BASF’s insecticide fipronil, imposed in July on concern its use as seed treatment is linked to declining bee populations. BASF has filed legal action with the General Court of the European Union because “valid scientific studies […]

Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for fluoride

Summary of report Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for the European population, including fluoride. Fluoride has no known essential function in human growth and development and no signs of fluoride deficiency […]

EU decision on Fipronil

EU Decision Abstract The European Food Safety Authority asked the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues to develop an Opinion on the identification of pesticides to be included in cumulative assessment groups (CAGs) on the basis of their toxicological profile. In 2008, the PPR Panel adopted an Opinion on the suitability of existing […]