ECHA sets out strategic goals for next five years

Purpose

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published its Strategy Statement 2024-2028, outlining the agency’s goals and priorities over the next five years to protect health and the environment through chemical safety. The new strategy aims to build on ECHA’s existing expertise and experience, collaborate with stakeholders and partners, and implement new tasks in support of EU policy goals on chemicals.

The Strategy Statement 2024-28 sets out four main elements: being a trusted chemicals agency, responding to emerging challenges and changes in the legal landscape, communicating and engaging with stakeholders, leading on chemical knowledge and expertise, and investing in people and organisational excellence. The strategy also highlights ECHA’s commitment to its values of integrity, transparency, collaboration, and innovation.

Effects on Industry

The new ECHA Strategy is expected to have a significant impact on the chemicals industry, as it sets out clear goals and priorities for the next five years. Companies operating in the chemicals sector will need to adapt to changing regulations and expectations, with a focus on chemical safety, sustainability, and environmental protection.

The strategy’s emphasis on investing in people and organisational excellence may also lead to changes in human resources management within companies, as they seek to develop skills and expertise that align with ECHA’s priorities. Furthermore, the strategy’s commitment to leading on chemical knowledge and expertise will likely drive innovation and research in the chemicals sector, as companies strive to stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

Relevant Stakeholders

The new ECHA Strategy affects a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Chemicals manufacturers and suppliers: Companies operating in the chemicals sector will need to adapt to changing regulations and expectations.
• Environmental organisations and advocacy groups: The strategy’s emphasis on chemical safety, sustainability, and environmental protection aligns with the interests of these stakeholder groups.
• Consumers: As companies respond to changing regulations and expectations, consumers can expect to see improved product safety and reduced environmental impact.
• EU policymakers and regulators: ECHA’s Strategy Statement 2024-28 reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting EU policy goals on chemicals and will inform regulatory decisions in the coming years.

Next Steps

To comply with or respond to the new ECHA Strategy, stakeholders should:

• Review and understand the strategy’s four main elements and how they relate to their operations.
• Assess their current capabilities and resources against the requirements outlined in the strategy.
• Develop strategies for adapting to changing regulations and expectations, including investing in people and organisational excellence.
• Engage with ECHA and other stakeholders to provide input on the implementation of the strategy.

Any Other Relevant Information

The new ECHA Strategy is a significant step forward in the agency’s commitment to protecting health and the environment through chemical safety. The strategy reflects the EU’s ambition for a safer, more sustainable chemicals sector and will inform regulatory decisions in the coming years.

ECHA has also announced plans to invest in its people and organisational excellence, which may lead to changes in human resources management within companies operating in the chemicals sector. Furthermore, the strategy’s emphasis on leading on chemical knowledge and expertise will drive innovation and research in the chemicals sector, as companies strive to stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

The Strategy Statement 2024-28 is available for download from ECHA’s website, along with additional information on how stakeholders can engage with the agency on its implementation.