Norwegians move on solvent ban

Norway's pollution control authority (SFT) has proposed a ban on toluene and trichlorobenzene in line with EU legislation prohibiting the solvents’ use in many applications (EED 05/12/05). Both substances are already restricted in the country, but "it is important to ensure that Norway does not become a dumping ground for products and production processes when the ban is introduced in the EU", the agency said on Tuesday. EU states (and Norway under an associated trade agreement) must transpose the law by 15 December. The ban takes effect from 15 June 2007. See SFT press release.