Classification of crude tall oil in Annex IX to the revised Directive 2009/28/EC

5.5.2015

Question for written answer P-007209-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Peter Jahr (PPE) , Michel Dantin (PPE)

Many questions have arisen during the debate on indirect land-use change as to whether it is appropriate to include crude tall oil (CTO) in an annex on waste and residues, given that it is a key feedstock for Europe’s biochemical industry. The initial Commission proposal does not refer to CTO as a residue, and neither does Parliament’s position at first reading. However, Annex IX to the revised Directive 2009/28/EC was amended, at the request of Sweden and Finland, to classify CTO as a residue. Furthermore, the recent formulation of the directive permits the Commission to add further feedstocks to Annex IX, but explicitly prevents it from removing feedstocks.

1. In the light of the principles of better regulation and the rule of law, should CTO not be removed from Annex IX as part of the Commission’s legal review?

2. Has the Commission considered the case of CTO specifically from a scientific and technical perspective? If so, does it consider CTO to be a waste/residue or a co-product?

3. How will the Commission ensure that the list of feedstocks in Annex IX is adapted to the latest scientific and technological progress?