Brief

On 17/12/2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued an update regarding ECHA deepens cooperation with contract research organisations. The agency held a workshop in November to discuss toxicological studies for REACH purposes, aiming to ensure high-quality results and reduce vertebrate animal testing. Participants from CROs and ECHA discussed topics such as correct dose-level selection and animal welfare issues, committing to refining methods and preventing duplicate testing.

ECHA deepens cooperation with contract research organisations
ECHA/NR/2024/39
Helsinki, 17 December 2024 – ECHA held a workshop in November with contract research organisations (CROs) about the testing of chemicals for REACH purposes. The aim of the dialogue was to ensure that the results of the requested studies are of high quality, reliable and useful.
The participants from contract research organisations and ECHA discussed toxicological studies that ECHA most frequently requests in dossier evaluation decisions to identify human health hazards, such as repro- and developmental toxicity, repeated-dose toxicity and genotoxicity hazards of REACH-registered substances. Further topics related to the correct dose-level selection to identify the toxicity potential of substances, and animal welfare issues.
ECHA is committed to reducing vertebrate animal testing, preventing duplicate testing and refining the methods currently used.

Further information

Event page

Event summary [PDF][EN]

Press contact: Tiiu Bräutigam, press@echa.europa.eu, +358 40 506 9006

Highlights content goes here...

Purpose

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has deepened its cooperation with contract research organisations (CROs) to ensure high-quality, reliable, and useful testing results for REACH purposes. This collaboration aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of chemical testing, ultimately enhancing human health hazard identification for substances registered under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation.

Effects on Industry

The increased cooperation between ECHA and CROs is expected to have a positive impact on the industry, particularly in terms of reducing vertebrate animal testing, preventing duplicate testing, and refining existing methods. This will not only reduce costs and administrative burdens for companies but also contribute to more accurate and reliable hazard identification. Furthermore, this collaboration will facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices among stakeholders, ultimately leading to a more harmonized approach to chemical testing.

Relevant Stakeholders

The cooperation between ECHA and CROs is relevant to various stakeholders, including:

  • Chemical companies and manufacturers, who will benefit from reduced animal testing and improved test result accuracy
  • Regulatory authorities, who will have access to high-quality data for risk assessment and decision-making purposes
  • Environmental and consumer organizations, which may be affected by the results of chemical testing and subsequent regulatory actions

Next Steps

To comply with this update, CROs are encouraged to participate in ECHA’s dialogue on toxicological studies and contribute to the development of best practices and guidelines for test design, dose-level selection, and animal welfare. Companies should also take advantage of available resources and training opportunities to ensure that they are aware of the latest developments in chemical testing.

Any Other Relevant Information

In addition to the specific initiatives mentioned above, ECHA’s cooperation with CROs is part of a broader effort to modernize and improve the REACH regulation. This includes plans for further refinements to test methods and reductions in animal testing, as well as increased transparency and public engagement in the decision-making process.

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Quick Insight
RADA.AI
RADA.AI
Hello! I'm RADA.AI - Regulatory Analysis and Decision Assistance. Your Intelligent guide for compliance and decision-making. How can i assist you today?
Suggested

Form successfully submitted. One of our GRI rep will contact you shortly

Thanking You!

Enter your Email

Enter your registered username/email id.

Enter your Email

Enter your email id below to signup.

Enter your Email

Enter your email id below to signup.
Individual Plan
$125 / month OR $1250 / year
Features
Best for: Researchers, Legal professionals, Academics
Enterprise Plan
Contact for Pricing
Features
Best for: Law Firms, Corporations, Government Bodies