The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) regularly publishes new reports relating to its Integrated Regulatory Strategy. The aim is to accelerate the generation of data, the identification of groups of substances of concern and regulatory measures by combining different regulatory processes. A coherent approach has been developed for this purpose.
Key messages
By 2021, 30% of the substances had already been thoroughly evaluated. Where structural similarities exist, substances have been grouped based on these. Regardless, there is still a need for regulation for almost 1.300 substances, which have a high annual requirement. 300 substances can require risk management measures immediately. Data must first be generated for remaining substances, or no action is required. The report also shows that the number of substances requiring harmonized classification and labeling has tripled from 2020 to 2021. CLH is often a prerequisite for further regulatory action, so authorities need to allocate sufficient resources and start developing proposals for these substances to avoid regulatory backlogs.
About ECHA
ECHA is an EU authority that regulates the technical, scientific and administrative aspects of the regulation registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals (= REACH Regulation). Its purpose is the general protection of health and the environment.
