“T” for Toxic? Seven things everyone should know about the EU‐US trade negotiations (aka “TTIP” or “TAFTA”) and chemical regulation

The document outlines seven ways the TTIP trade negotiations could negatively impact chemical regulation, including the risk of 'downward' harmonization of standards, the erosion of US state-level regulatory authority, and the potential to increase fracking for natural gas. It highlights the disparity between the weak US federal chemical management system and the stronger EU policies, warning that TTIP could slow global progress on toxic chemicals and limit access to hazard information.

• TTIP is characterized as a regulatory agreement aimed at minimizing differences across regions, which the author argues would likely lead to 'harmonization “downward,” toward regulations and standards that are less protective of people and the environment.'
• The agreement poses a risk to the regulatory authority of US states, as the European Commission seeks common rules that could preempt states from enacting stronger public health or environmental measures.
• TTIP may undermine the European Union's progress on toxic chemicals by slowing the implementation of existing legislation, which the US government and industry view as a trade barrier due to its protective nature.
• The document asserts that TTIP could increase hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the US by requiring the automatic approval of liquid natural gas exports to the EU without review or conditions.
• Proposed secrecy rules within TTIP could hinder innovation by making it more difficult for regulators, consumers, and innovators to access information regarding hazardous chemicals and their presence in products.

APA

Center for International Environmental Law (n.d.). “T” for Toxic? Seven things everyone should know about the EU‐US trade negotiations (aka “TTIP” or “TAFTA”) and chemical regulation. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/TTIP_FactSheet_US_Feb2014.pdf

Chicago

Center for International Environmental Law. “T” for Toxic? Seven things everyone should know about the EU‐US trade negotiations (aka “TTIP” or “TAFTA”) and chemical regulation. n.d. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/TTIP_FactSheet_US_Feb2014.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Center for International Environmental Law |title=“T” for Toxic? Seven things everyone should know about the EU‐US trade negotiations (aka “TTIP” or “TAFTA”) and chemical regulation |url=https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/TTIP_FactSheet_US_Feb2014.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centerforinternationalenvironmentallawndtoxic, author = {{Center for International Environmental Law}}, title = {{“T” for Toxic? Seven things everyone should know about the EU‐US trade negotiations (aka “TTIP” or “TAFTA”) and chemical regulation}}, institution = {Center for International Environmental Law}, url = {https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/TTIP_FactSheet_US_Feb2014.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }