European Chemicals Agency

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is responsible for implementing the EU’s chemicals legislation to ensure the safe use of chemicals. Its main roles include:

• Regulation Implementation
  ECHA manages and helps companies comply with specific EU legislation on chemicals or biocides:
  • REACH
  • Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP)
  • Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)
  • Prior Informed Consent Regulation (PIC).
• Chemical Safety
  The agency evaluates the properties and hazards of chemical substances, ensuring that companies comply with safety standards. ECHA works with the European Commission and EU governments to identify substances that give cause for concern and take decisions on EU-level risk management.
• Data Management
  ECHA smaintain databases necessary for the REACH system, coordinating the in-depth evaluation of information provided on chemicals.
• Public Information
  ECHA provides information on chemicals and their safe use through a unique free database.

ECHA supports the validation and use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) through several initiatives:

• Guidance and Communication
  ECHA provides extensive guidance and communicates with registrants to promote the use of NAMs and alternative methods to animal testing.
• Funding and Collaboration
  The agency funds activities such as the OECD QSAR Toolbox and collaborates with research institutions and industry stakeholders to develop and validate NAMs.
• Workshops and Case Studies
  ECHA organizes scientific workshops and conducts case studies to explore the application of NAMs in regulatory contexts, such as hazard assessment and read-across strategies.
• Regulatory Acceptance
  ECHA works towards the regulatory acceptance of NAMs by providing clear guidelines and frameworks, such as the Read-Across Assessment Framework (RAAF), to ensure that NAMs are scientifically robust and reliable.

National helpdesks

National helpdesks have been established as a first point of contact for questions about the Biocides Regulation, the Regulation on Classification, Labeling and Packaging and REACH (Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals). They can give you advice in your own language and are aware of local conditions that may be important for proper compliance with these regulations.

ECHA and the national helpdesks work together to provide support to companies on the REACH, CLP and Biocidal Products regulations.

See the table below to see who can best help you with your query.