DECABROMODIPHENYL ETHER: DUTCH VIEWS

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001234

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958 N/A
TAGS: ETRD NL EUN
SUBJECT: DECABROMODIPHENYL ETHER: DUTCH VIEWS

REF: STATE 106335

Dutch officials have confirmed that the preliminary risk
assessment for DECABDE is on the agenda for the upcoming
Competent Authority (CA) Meeting. At that meeting,
technical experts will seek policy guidance on addressing
remaining scientific uncertainties about which the
technical experts have been unable to reach agreement.
Discussion at the CA meeting will mainly focus on science
and consistency without pre-empting subsequent policy
decisions. The competent authorities will not be asked to
make any decisions restricting marketing and use beyond
those already agreed by the industry voluntarily. The
Dutch believe any restrictions should only be implemented
after agreement has been reached at a later stage on a risk
reduction strategy. The UK, as "file leader" will play the
key role in developing such a strategy, but all
stakeholders will be asked to provide input. The Dutch
also think that the considerable scientific uncertainties
will make any risk assessment decisions "challenging."

Russel