Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. It was founded in 1961 and includes 38 member countries. OECD covers more than 27 different topics of which 'Chemical safety and biosafety’ is one.

The OECD Chemical Safety and Biosafety Committee (CBC) assists countries in developing an implementing policies and instruments that make their systems for managing chemicals as efficient and robust as possible, while protecting human health and the environment.

The OECD CBC develops guidelines on how to test chemicals for hazards to human health and the environment. OECD member countries and countries that adhere to the OECD Mutual Acceptance of Data program accept tests that follow these guidelines.

The OECD contributes to the validation of NAMs (New Alternative Methods) through several key initiatives:

• Guidance Documents: The OECD publishes guidance documents on the validation and international acceptance of new or updated test methods for hazard assessment. These documents provide a framework for the validation process, ensuring that new methods are scientifically sound and reliable.
• Test Guidelines Programme: The OECD’s Test Guidelines Programme develops and updates internationally accepted test guidelines, which include NAMs. These guidelines help standardize testing methods and ensure their acceptance across member countries.
• International Collaboration: The OECD works with international partners to harmonize the validation and regulatory acceptance of NAMs. This collaboration helps to ensure that NAMs are recognized and used globally.
• Workshops and Training: The OECD organizes workshops and training sessions to promote the use of NAMs and educate stakeholders on their implementation. This helps build capacity and expertise in the use of alternative methods.

For assistance or inquiries, you can contact the OECD through the following channels:

Contact form: available on the OECD website. Provide as much detail as possible in your inquiry to receive a prompt response.

National Contact Points: you can contact the Dutch NCP through their Contact Form: available on the NCP website.