The recent EU Cosmetic Products Regulation includes a labelling obligation for nanomaterials in the list of ingredients, in order to allow consumers to make a choice. Similar provisions are now being considered for other regulations/directives, e.g. the Novel Foods Regulation. Also the European chemicals legislation REACH may need adjustments to address and control the potential risk of nanomaterials. The introduction of these provisions specific to nanomaterials requires the adoption of a definition of the term "nanomaterial". This need is also acknowledged by the European Parliament which has called for a comprehensive science-based definition in Community legislation. This report reviews and discusses issues and challenges related to a definition of "nanomaterial". It gives a short overview about what may be considered as nanomaterials, their novel properties and applications. The need for a definition of nanomaterial is discussed, and the question of what should be achieved by a definition is addressed. The report gives an overview of definitions by international, national and European institutions, and lists approaches used in European legislation. It summarises the advantages and shortcomings of different elements typically used in available definitions, regarding their applicability in a regulatory context. The following three key elements are identified as being crucial in achieving a single, enforceable definition of nanomaterial: (i) the term "material", (ii) the nanoscale, and (iii) specific nanoscale properties. Material and nanoscale should both preferably be defined precisely in order to ease enforceability. This implies the introduction of precise nanoscale limits and instructions on how such limits can be applied to nanoscale materials with size distributions. Size-derived properties, nanostructured features, nanoscale materials incorporated in a matrix and the origin of the material are also issues to be considered. Key words: nanomaterial, definition, nanoscale, physico-chemical properties, Cosmetic Products Regulation, REACH. The full report may be read here: jrc-refreport-definition-nanomaterial-eur24403en.pdf

This EU Cordis web service provides an overview of nanotechnology related activities at the European Commission. The information provided on this portal website does not replace or supersede similar information in other CORDIS or EUROPA websites. Rather, it highlights elements specifically relevant to nanotechnology in Europe such as the European strategy and the Action Plan, projects and funding opportunities in the Framework Programmes and related publications and events.

On this webpage, you will find publications related to nanotechnology and the European Union. These include:

CEFIC is the Brussels-based organization representing the European chemical industry.Since its creation in 1972, CEFIC has grown to become one of the largest and most efficient advocacy network amongst the industry trade organizations in Europe and in the world.

They have several articles on their website about nanomaterials available here: http://www.cefic.be/en/Nanomaterials.html

The intention of the compendium is to bring together researchers, create synergy in their work, and establish links and communication between them mainly during the actual research phase before publication of results. Towards this purpose we find useful to give emphasis to communication of projects strategic aims, extensive coverage of specific work objectives and of methods used in research, strengthening human capacities and laboratories infrastructure, supporting collaboration for common goals and joint elaboration of future plans, without compromising scientific publication potential or IP Rights.

The publication will take the shape of a dynamic, frequently updated, web-based document available free of charge to all interested parties.

Finally we would like to invite all researchers in this domain to join the effort, communicating the work being done and all readers to support the nano-safety community.

Read the document here.