News

  • One hazardous chemical added to the Candidate List

    January 19, 2026

    The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) now contains 251 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment. Companies are responsible for managing the risks of these chemicals and giving customers and consumers information on their safe use. ECHA’s Member…

  • New tasks to strengthen toy safety

    January 7, 2026

    The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will assess chemical safety in toys, process companies’ derogation requests to use prohibited chemicals and provide scientific recommendations through its expert committees. These responsibilities come from the new Toy Safety Regulation, which entered into force on 1 January. ECHA will…

  • Companies to start notifying intentions under the Drinking Water Directive

    January 5, 2026

    ECHA has launched a new online tool for industry to notify its plans to update the EU Positive Lists of substances that are approved for use in materials that come into contact with drinking water. By using the ECHA Industry Portal companies can indicate those…

  • Highlights from Committees for Risk Assessment meetings

    December 17, 2025

    The Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) progressed their evaluation of the proposed restriction on PFAS. RAC is expected to adopt its opinion in March 2026 while SEAC will agree its draft opinion for further consultation. RAC also adopted its first…

  • Four substances recommended for REACH authorisation

    November 18, 2025

    The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), to protect health and the environment, recommends that the European Commission adds four substances, including melamine, to the REACH Authorisation List. Once added to the list, companies must apply for authorisation if they wish to continue using the substances. The…

  • SMEs to apply for company size validation before making REACH submissions

    October 16, 2025

    The European Commission has adopted the revised REACH Fee Regulation. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will have to apply for company size validation before submitting their dossiers to benefit from the reduced fees. Standard fees and charges for large companies will increase by 19.5%….

  • ECHA adds three hazardous chemicals to the Candidate List

    June 25, 2025

    The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) now contains 250 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment. Companies are responsible for managing the risks of these chemicals and giving customers and consumers information on their safe use. Two newly…

  • Next EU-wide REACH enforcement project on safe use of chemicals in workplaces

    June 17, 2025

    ECHA’s Enforcement Forum agreed that the next EU-wide enforcement project will address the safety of workers. A new pilot project will control export of hazardous substances from the European Union. As part of the next EU-level enforcement project (REF-15), inspectors will check safe use information…

  • New IUCLID release available

    May 27, 2025

    Companies can now use IUCLID to prepare notifications of intentions under the EU’s Drinking Water Directive and reporting under the REACH restriction on microplastics. For biocides, the improvements relate to the table of contents and the addition of quality rules. This IUCLID release introduces format…

  • ECHA proposes restrictions on chromium(VI) substances to protect health

    April 29, 2025

    The European Chemicals Agency brings forward a proposal for an EU-wide restriction on certain hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), substances. The aim is to reduce the harmful effects of these carcinogenic chemicals for both workers and the public. At the request of the European Commission, ECHA has…