15 NGOs call for a clearer definition of the term “nanomaterials”

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Newsflash
definition regulation

Fifteen NGOs have sent an open letter to the European Commission asking it to clarify and improve its definition of the term “nanomaterials”.

After seven years of delay and procrastination, the European Commission hastily launched a so-called “consultation” last May-June, which proposes unclear changes and, worse, is likely to make a large number of manufactured nanoparticles disappear from the authorities’ radar.

While the registration of nanomaterials in REACH is already deficient (there are half as many nanomaterials registered in REACH as there are in the French r-nano register) and their labeling is mostly unenforced, this setback in the monitoring of nanomaterials is particularly worrying.

The NGOs would therefore like the Commission to open the discussion so that this definition can be reworked collectively before being integrated into the various European regulations.

Upcoming Nano Agenda

24
Fév.
2026
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of nanomaterials (GdR NaMasTE, Online)
On line
Webinar
environment
environment
life cycle
nanosciences
research
risks
  • Introductory seminar on the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and its specificities when applied to nanomaterials (metal nanoparticles, oxides, etc.), from their production to their end-of-life.
  • Organizer: NaMasTE research group (Manufactured Nanomaterials, Toxicology, Ecotoxicology and Risks: Towards Controlled Development)
  • Speaker: Gaetana (Tania) Quaranta, Senior Lecturer, University of Strasbourg – IPHC
  • Website: https://gdr-namaste.cnrs.fr/
26
Fév.
2026
Nanotechnologies and agriculture: a reference framework for responsible practice (AFNOR, online)
On line
Webinar
agriculture
pesticides
standardization
  • Webconference for analysis laboratories, plant fertilizer manufacturers and distributors, public authorities…
  • Moderated by David Krupka, nanotechnologies development manager at AFNOR Normalisation and Emilie Langlois-Bertrand, nantechnologies standardization project manager.
  • In partnership with Armand Masion (CEREGE) and Patrice Charpentier (ANSES).
  • This exchange will also be an opportunity to explore the creation of a national platform to identify standardization needs.
  • Website: https://www.afnor.org/evenements/qualite/nanotechnologies-agriculture-cadre-pratique-responsable

16
Mars
2026
Metallic nano-objects (MNO 2026, Bordeaux – France)
Bordeaux
Conference

  • International conference on metallic nano-objects for experts working in the interdisciplinary field of metallic nanoparticles, with a particular emphasis on nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, plasmonics, optics and photonics, catalysis, biomedicine, electronics, and nanoparticle recycling
  • Organizers / Partners: CNRS, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux INP, ICMCB, CRPP, CBMN, ISM
  • Website: https://mno2026.sciencesconf.org