REACH

New substance evaluation conclusion published

• 4,4'-methylenebis[N,N-bis(2,3-epoxypropyl)aniline] (EC 249-204-3, CAS 28768-32-3), evaluated by Denmark.

Advice on alternative test methods for skin sensitisation

We have updated our advice on using the OECD Test Guidelines (OECD TG 442 C to E) and defined approaches (OECD GL 497) for skin sensitisation, promoting non-animal test methods. 

In vitro methods can now be used for more substances than before, such as for low solubility substances.

Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP)

New proposals to harmonise classification and labelling

Two proposals have been submitted for:

• silver chloride* (EC 232-033-3, CAS 7783-90-6)
• chloroethane* (EC 200-830-5, CAS 75-00-3)
  

*Names to be confirmed.

Biocides

New tool to support biocide risk assessment for bees

A new online tool called B-risk for biocides helps companies, scientists and authorities assess the risks of biocides to bees. 

The tool has been developed as a collaborative effort under the 'one substance, one assessment' approach. It is an extension of the European Food Safety Authority’s B-risk tool – originally designed for plant protection products – and adapted now to the specific needs of biocidal products, particularly insecticides.

Updated templates for product assessment reports

Updated versions of product assessment report (PAR) templates for single biocidal products and biocidal product families are available on our website to be used for product authorisation applications submitted on or after 26 November 2025.

Additionally, the confidential annexes of these templates have been updated. Since these apply to product authorisation applications submitted on or after 25 April 2027, the previous versions of the templates remain available online.

The new templates may be used before the above dates on a voluntary basis.

Enforcement

Enforcement Forum’s work programme 2026-2027

In its latest meeting, the Forum adopted a new work programme for 2026-2027. 

It sets out enforcement priorities and outlines coordinated actions for the next two years. The focus will remain on enforcement of imports, online sales and integrated controls. More specific priorities include classification and labelling and controlling different risk management measures.

Science

Science seminar: Endocrine disruption activity of selected BPA alternatives

Our latest science seminar with Dr Sabrina Tait from the Italian National Institute of Health and Dr Antonio De la Vieja from the Spanish Carlos III Health Institute is now available on our science web pages and on our YouTube channel. 

The seminar presents the preliminary results from a comparative analysis of endocrine-disrupting activity of selected BPA alternatives, generated under the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC). The seminar also provides initial discussion on how those results could be used for regulatory purposes under ECHA’s mandate.

Events

Workshop on alternative methods for acute fish toxicity

Join our free-of-charge workshop on 17-18 February 2026 in Helsinki to discuss the key findings of our project aiming to advance the use of alternative methods in environmental hazard assessment. In particular, the project focuses on the fish embryo and the fish cell Line acute toxicity (RTgill-W1) assays, which are proposed alternatives to acute fish toxicity testing.

We welcome the participation of ecotoxicologists and regulators experienced in environmental hazard assessment, or development and use of alternative assays for regulatory purposes.

Express your interest to participate by 7 January 2026. As places for on-site participation are limited, we will confirm your attendance once we have reviewed registrations to ensure balanced representation. 

Webinars

Call for evidence on restriction preparation for aromatic brominated flame retardants

Join our webinar on 29 January 2026 at 11:00–13:00 Helsinki time to learn about our work on restricting aromatic brominated flame retardants (ABFRs) and the upcoming call for evidence. 

Discover what information is needed, how your input will be used, and get practical guidance.

Watch the webinar live on our homepage, no registration required. The Q&A will be open until 13:00 – you can also submit your questions in advance.

IT tools

Video tutorials help navigate ECHA CHEM

Have a look at the first two video tutorials on our new chemicals database ECHA CHEM. 

These tutorials show how to navigate REACH registrations, search for analytical and ecotoxicological information in them and interpret key study data. 

The first two videos are part of a series of short tutorials – more will come soon.

Maintenance break on 12-15 December 2025

Due to planned maintenance, our IT tools and systems will be unavailable between Friday 12 December 18:00 and Monday 15 December 9:00 Helsinki time.

We apologise for the inconvenience.

EU Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON)

A new study enhances transparency on the safety of nano-enabled textiles

The EU Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) has published a new study, Information on nano-enabled textiles, which analyses the applications of nano-enabled textiles and their presence on the EU and global markets. The results highlight the need to increase research efforts and policy development to ensure the safety of these innovative materials.

The study was conducted by Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche and FRESCI Science&Strategy SL, Spain.

Reminder: survey on nanomaterials used as or integrated into flame retardants

The EUON has commissioned a study on nanomaterials used as or integrated into flame retardants as part of the EUON activities.

The study, being carried out by Innovamol Srl, aims to collect and review scientific and market information on nanomaterials used as or integrated into flame retardants in consumer and professional products.

You have until 31 January 2026 to complete the survey.