Governance for Nanotechnology: The case of regulation in European Union

Abstract

European institutions have decided since the Communication published on May 12, 2004 -COM (2004) 338-, the responsible development of nanotechnology referring to the ethical commitment regarding the risks for human health and safety. In this case, we use as reference the European Union Regulation No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009, on cosmetic products. This Regulation has been presented as a reference for other nanotechnology regulations in the context of European Union. Although it presented the regulatory difference of nanomaterials over the rest of the chemicals for cosmetics, what has been the real impact of the standard after 10 years? It is concluded that this Regulation has encountered technical difficulties. This is the reason why objectives proposed by European Commission have not been fully accomplished. Many of the nanomaterials marketed in European Union nowadays have not been approved by European Commission.