On 8 July 2025, the European Commission presented its 6th “simplification omnibus” package, this time targeting chemicals legislation. In EU policy jargon, an “omnibus” refers to a legislative package that amends multiple existing regulations at once. The aim is to streamline procedures, reduce compliance costs and ease regulatory burdens.
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This chemicals omnibus was published alongside the Commission’s Action Plan for the Chemicals Industry and includes updates to the CLP Regulation, the Cosmetics Regulation and the Fertilising Products Regulation
For the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP Regulation), changes aim to simplify and modernise communication tools by allowing more flexible and readable label designs, expanding digital labelling and easing advertising rules to cut costs and reduce complexity.
Under the Cosmetics Regulation, amendments introduce clearer procedures and timelines for exemptions from bans on certain substances. The updated guidance addresses cosmetic products containing constituents classified as CMRs—carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances—ensuring consumer safety. The Commission retains the authority to act on health risks after consulting the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety.
In the Fertilising Products Regulation, the Commission proposes removing extended registration requirements and applying standard REACH rules, making it easier for products to enter the market. It also plans clearer criteria and methods for assessing micro-organisms in plant biostimulants, further simplifying procedures.
According to the Commission, the package could save the chemicals sector over EUR 360 million annually. The proposal is now under review by the European Parliament and the Council.
Reactions to the package have been mixed. The Socialists & Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament strongly criticised the package, calling it a step backwards for chemical safety. They argue that, under the guise of simplification, the Commission has weakened rules on carcinogens in cosmetics, hazard labelling for consumer products and safety checks for fertilisers. S&D Vice-President MEP Christophe Clergeau warned that the proposal risks increasing chronic disease rates and healthcare costs, emphasising that simplification must not come at the expense of human health and environmental protection.
In contrast, the chemical industry broadly welcomed the Commission’s action. The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) called the package a vital step to halt chemical deindustrialisation and restore the EU’s global competitiveness. Cefic highlighted the need for swift implementation and praised the inclusion of measures to lower energy costs, ease regulatory burdens and support innovation. However, the industry also called for continued action, including follow-up legislation and stronger coordination among Member States to turn signals of support into concrete results.
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