Pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers are required to pay at least 80% of the costs of the fourth cleaning stage.
EnvironmentEuropean Union
- Omissions
- The legislation was formally agreed in early 2024 and adopted by the end of 2024; the claim was made in March 2026 when the directive was already in force.
- The 'fourth cleaning stage' refers to quaternary treatment specifically designed to remove micropollutants from wastewater.
- The 80% cost allocation applies through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.
- Sources
- SecondaryEuronewsThe pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries will have to bear at least 80% of the costs linked to cleaning harmful substances they discharge into water
- SecondaryThe GuardianDraft rules follow the 'polluter pays principle' and will mean companies cover 80% of extra clean-up costs
- SecondaryHogan LovellsProducers of medicinal products and cosmetics placing their products on the EU market will be required to cover: at least 80% of the costs for quaternary treatment
- SecondaryInside EU Life Sciencesat least 80% of the full costs, including investments and operational costs, of the required quaternary treatment of wastewaters
- SecondaryBaker McKenzieAt least 80% of the costs of such treatment will then be funded through the introduction of EPR obligations for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors