The aim of this study is to assess the cumulative regulatory costs borne by chemicals companies operating in countries which are the main international competitors of the EU and to compare these costs with those borne by chemicals companies operating in the EU. More specifically, the study will:

— analyse the overall cost structures of main international competitors and compare them with the EU chemical industry,

— identify the relevant chemicals-related legislation in selected third countries and assess, in a qualitative manner, cumulative cost effects it engenders in comparison with cumulative costs resulting from chemicals-related legislation in the EU,

— carry out case studies on the cost effects of the most relevant chemicals-related legislation in selected third countries, with the objective to compare them also in quantitative terms with the costs engendered by chemicals-related legislation in the EU and to assess their potential impact on the international competitiveness of EU chemicals companies,

— validate the results from the study with relevant stakeholders.

The study shall analyse the cumulative cost effects resulting from chemicals-related legislation in China, United States, and a third country to be proposed by the contractor from the following list: Brazil, India, Japan and South Korea. The consultant will identify and analyse the applicable legislation irrespective of the level at which it has been enacted, i.e. both at central/federal as well as at sub-central level. The study shall cover all relevant subsectors of the chemical industry and chemicals-related legislation that has a direct or indirect cost effect. The contractor shall give a suitable basis to prepare a competitiveness analysis to be conducted in the future.