ECHA

We renew our organisational structure to support expanding mandate

We will introduce a new organisational structure from 1 March 2026 to strengthen our ability to implement our expanding mandate, respond to future opportunities and deliver on our strategic goals.

REACH

Validity of 88 existing REACH authorisations to use chromium (VI) substances extended

The European Commission extended the deadline so that companies already authorised to use chromium (VI) substances do not have to prepare and submit review reports when a Commission decision is not expected before a new REACH restriction on these substances enters into force.

ECHA’s scientific committees are currently preparing their opinions on the Cr(VI) restriction. Their final opinion is expected by the end of 2026. 

The Commission Regulation on the restriction, which will replace the current REACH authorisation for these substances, is expected by the end of 2028.

Consultations on applications for authorisation

We have launched consultations on two applications for authorisation and five review reports covering seven uses in total:

• Chromium trioxide (EC 215-607-8): Functional chrome plating of work rolls used in the steel and aluminium industry.
• Strontium chromate (EC 232-142-6): Slurry coating for civil and military aerospace applications.
• 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated (EC -): As a surfactant in diagnostic devices for clinical testing.
• 4-Nonylphenol, branched and linear, ethoxylated (EC -): In manufacture of glass fibre articles for helicopter parts.
• Dibutyl phthalate (EC 201-557-4):
• In manufacture of ceramic sheets for the production of multi-layer ceramic capacitors.
• In propellants where the use of these articles is in manufacture of ammunition for military and civilian use.
• Trichloroethylene (EC 201-167-4): Used as a solvent and recycling of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the production of Vlisco fabric.

More information about the uses applied for is available online.
Have your say through our webform until 8 April 2026.

Deadline extended: call for evidence on restriction of PPDs and PDs in rubber tyres

The deadline to submit information in this call for evidence, launched by the Netherlands and Austria, has been extended to 6 March 2026.

A stakeholder workshop on this restriction is scheduled to take place on 24 March 2026 in Brussels. Save the date.

For clarifications, contact: AT-restriction(at)Umweltbundesamt.at

CLP

Consultation on harmonised classification and labelling

We are looking for comments on the harmonised classification and labelling proposal for:

• inpyrfluxam (ISO); 3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-[(3R)-1,1,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-4-yl]-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (EC -, CAS 1352994-67-2).

Have your say until 10 April 2026.

New intentions to harmonise classification and labelling

Seven intentions have been submitted for:

• N-(butoxymethyl)acrylamide [1] N-[(2-methylpropoxy)methyl]acrylamide [2] N-isopropylacrylamide [3] N-(methoxymethyl)acrylamide [4] N,N-diethylacrylamide [5] N-methylacrylamide [6] (EC-, CAS -)*
• azoxystrobin (ISO); methyl (E)-2-{2-[6-(2-cyanophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate (EC -, CAS 131860-33-8)*
• N-(4-aminophenyl)aniline (EC 202-951-9, CAS 101-54-2)
• tembotrione (ISO); 2-{2-chloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)-3-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methyl]benzoyl}cyclohexane-1,3-dione (EC -, CAS 335104-84-2)*
• sulfoxaflor (ISO); [methyl(oxo){1-[6-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridyl]ethyl}-λ6-sulfanylidene]cyanamide (EC -, CAS 946578-00-3)*
• hymexazol (ISO); 3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole (EC 233-000-6, CAS 10004-44-1)*
• sorbitol; D-glucitol (EC 200-061-5, CAS 50-70-4).

*Name, EC or CAS number to be confirmed.

Occupational exposure limits (OELs)

Our tasks for worker safety in 2026

The European Commission has tasked us to make scientific evaluations on the following items in relation to their adverse health effects on workers.

In the scope of the Chemical Agents Directive, preparation of an OEL for:

• Toluene (EC 203-625-9, CAS 108-88-3)
• Copper (EC 231-159-6, CAS 7440-50-8) and its inorganic compounds (several EC/CAS numbers)
• Naphthalene (EC 202-049-5, CAS 91-20-3).

In the scope of the Carcinogens, Mutagens or Reprotoxic substances Directive:

• Preparation of a report: Endocrine disruptors.
• Preparation of an OEL: Bisphenols relevant to occupational health (other than 4,4’-Isopropylidenediphenol (BPA))

• 4,4’-sulphonyldiphenol (BPS) (EC 201-250-5, CAS 80-09-1)
• 4,4’-methylenediphenol (BPF) (EC 210-658-2, CAS 620-92-8)
• 4,4’-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol (BPAF) (EC 216-036-7, CAS 1478-61-1).

These tasks are to be finalised by 29 January 2028 and will, where appropriate, include proposals for occupational exposure limit values, biological limit/biological guidance values or notations.

IT tools

ECHA CHEM updated with ED and PBT assessment lists

You can now find more information related to regulatory processes in our chemicals database, ECHA CHEM.

The latest update includes data on substances that have been brought to ECHA’s Endocrine disruptor (ED) or Persistent, bioaccumulative/mobile and toxic (PBT/PMT) Expert Group and are undergoing ED, PBT/PMT or very persistent and very bioaccumulative/mobile (vPvB/vPvM) assessments.

EU Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON)

Nanopinion: Nanocellulose aerogels: promising platform in sustainable materials design

In February’s Nanopinion, Dr Mohammad KarzarJeddi and Prof Henrikki Liimatainen highlight nanocellulose aerogels as a promising yet underdeveloped class of sustainable materials.

Despite exceptional performance in areas ranging from environmental remediation to advanced telecommunications, their wider impact is limited by mechanical fragility and scalability challenges. 

Addressing these challenges is essential for nanocellulose aerogels to realise their potential in next-generation sustainable materials.

European Commission

REACH Committee meeting - draft agenda available

The European Commission’s REACH Committee is scheduled to meet on 25-26 February 2026. A draft agenda for the meeting is now available.

Biocides decisions

The European Commission has granted Union authorisations for:

• the biocidal product family 'Divodes FG Family'.
• the biocidal product family 'Hydrogen Peroxide Group'.

The Commission has amended the Union authorisation due to administrative changes for:

• the single biocidal product 'EuLA oxi-lime 23'.