Towards a review of the EC Recommendation for a definition of the term "nanomaterial" : Part 1: Compilation of information concerning the experience with the definition

In October 2011 the European Commission (EC) published a Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU). The purpose of this definition is to enable determination when a material should be considered a nanomaterial for regulatory purposes in the European Union. In view of the upcoming review of the current EC Definition of the term 'nanomaterial' and noting the need expressed by the EC Environment Directorate General and other Commission services for a set of scientifically sound reports as the basis for this review, the EC Joint Research Centre (JRC) prepares three consecutive reports, of which this is the first. This Report compiles information concerning the experience with the definition regarding scientific-technical issues that should be considered when reviewing the current EC definition of nanomaterial. Based on this Report 1 and the feedback received, JRC will write a second, follow-up Report 2. In that report the JRC will provide its assessment of the scientific-technical issues compiled in Report 1, in relation to the objective of reviewing the current EC nanomaterial definition. In a third report JRC will provide recommendations to improve content and the implementation of the EC Definition as well as related communication aspects.