ECHA’s Integrated Regulatory Strategy achieves its goal – high production volume chemicals screened

Purpose:

The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Integrated Regulatory Strategy (IRS) has successfully achieved its goal of screening high production volume chemicals, manufactured or imported above 100 tonnes per year, that were on the European markets in 2018. The strategy aimed to speed up data generation, identify groups of substances of concern, and regulatory action by integrating different regulatory processes into one approach to manage chemical risks effectively and efficiently.

The IRS has increased knowledge on chemicals and sped up identification of substances for which regulatory risk management actions are required. The strategy has also encouraged collaboration between ECHA, Member States authorities, and the European Commission. The sixth and final report of the IRS 2019-2023 shows that it achieved its goal, screening 6,000 substances and addressing almost all of the 4,100 high production volume chemicals.

Effects on Industry:

The IRS has significant implications for industries that manufacture or import high production volume chemicals. The strategy’s focus on risk management and data generation has led to a more comprehensive understanding of chemical risks. Industries will need to comply with regulatory actions taken by ECHA and Member States authorities, such as harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) or restriction under REACH.

The IRS has also encouraged collaboration between industries, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, promoting a more coordinated approach to managing chemical risks. This collaborative approach will continue in the next phase of the strategy, with ECHA working closely with Member States authorities and the European Commission to agree on risk management measures for identified substances of concern.

Relevant Stakeholders:

The IRS affects various stakeholders, including:

• Industries that manufacture or import high production volume chemicals
• Consumers who are exposed to these chemicals through their products
• Regulators at ECHA, Member States authorities, and the European Commission
• Other stakeholders, such as NGOs and consumer organizations

These stakeholders will be impacted by the IRS’s focus on risk management and data generation. Industries will need to comply with regulatory actions, while consumers will benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of chemical risks.

Next Steps:

The reviewed IRS for 2024-2028 will continue to improve the protection of human health and the environment from risks posed by hazardous chemicals. ECHA, the European Commission, and Member States authorities will focus on agreeing more swiftly on necessary risk management measures for identified substances of concern.

Key next steps include:

• Integrating new tasks into the approach
• Focusing on one substance, one assessment principle
• Enhancing transparency with authorities and stakeholders

These actions will ensure that industries comply with regulatory requirements and stakeholders are informed about chemical risks.

Any Other Relevant Information:

The IRS has achieved significant successes since its inception in 2019. Some key outcomes include:

• Screening of 6,000 substances
• Addressing almost all of the 4,100 high production volume chemicals
• Identification of several substance groups that require regulatory risk management

These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of the IRS approach and highlight the importance of continued collaboration between stakeholders to manage chemical risks.