ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the regulation of nanomaterials in the
European Union (EU). It gives an overview of the existing European
regulation that applies to nanomaterials. It deals with two cross-
cutting regulatory issues that are highly debated in the EU: the de-
finitions of nanomaterials and the applicability of the EU chemicals
regulation. The chapter explores the regulation of nanoproducts in
certain areas to which the EU regulatory bodies have paid special
attention. These are the areas of medicine, cosmetics, and food.
Other important issues like safety, environment, and patents are
covered by other chapters of the handbook. Nanomaterials are
regulated at the EU level, but also at the level of the 27 member
states. In this chapter the focus lies on the EU level. Significant
initiatives of member states will be mentioned.
