The judgement sets a precedent that will “tighten the screw” on the way companies use dangerous chemicals, said ClientEarth, a green pressure group.
The case was brought by the Swedish government over lead chromate pigments in paint. These can be used in road markings, metal paints and industrial plastics, but are highly hazardous and are registered as substances of very high concern.
The Commission had allowed a Canadian company to sell red and yellow pigments containing this substance as it claimed there was a lack of suitable alternatives. But Sweden argued it had not used this substance in paint for 30 years, meaning safer alternatives were available.