Thematic area: Economic Growth and Jobs. Sector: Private sector and Sustainable Industries
Sector Dialogues for the Regulation of Nanotechnology-Based Products
Partners: 
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation / 
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.
Year: 2014
Project Overview:
The global market for nanomaterials, currently estimated at € 20 billion, is expected to reach a volume worth € 2 trillion in 2015. To become a major player in this sector, Brazil needs to participate actively in international discussions on the regulation of nanotechnology in order to put its national peculiarities on the agenda, for greater balance between international trade and sustainable development, and the inclusion of the interests of societies and countries in fair terms. Despite the importance of nanotechnology, there is still no specific regulatory framework in this realm. In Brazil, several actions are being promoted to discuss the topic, including the creation of the Working Group on Regulation (GT-Reg) and six nanotoxicology networks. Also, pending in the National Congress are two bills dealing with the labeling of products that make use of nanotechnology and the creation of a National Policy for Nanotechnology. In the European Union, several studies on the topic are also being conducted. The European Commission’s Second Regulatory Review on Nanomaterials aims to provide data for the adaptation and implementation of EU legislation for nanomaterials. Collaboration between Brazil and the European Union will enable greater dialogue towards the establishment of safe nanotechnology standards, in an attempt to evenly balance the multitude of economic, social, health and environmental concerns. This action includes two international missions (Brazil-EU and EU-Brazil) to visit institutions involved in nanotechnology research, and the production of a study to provide scientific referencing for the processes of characterisation, safety assessment, certification and regulation of nanotechnology and of the products originating from this technology in the European Community and Brazil, as well as a workshop to present the findings of both the missions and the study.
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