Key takeaway
ECHA’s 2024 evaluation statistics highlight major compliance gaps in REACH registrations, with 30% of cases requiring enforcement action. Manufacturers must act swiftly to update dossiers, address data gaps, and align with evolving regulatory expectations to mitigate risks and maintain business continuity.
ECHA reviewed 15,500 REACH registrations, finding compliance issues in 30% of cases. In 2024, 313 compliance checks led to 208 data requests and 92 testing proposal decisions. Companies failing to provide data face enforcement actions, impacting their market access.
Manufacturers and importers of substances should proactively review their dossiers, address missing data, and respond to ECHA’s requests. Engaging with regulatory updates and compliance consultants can help businesses avoid enforcement actions and maintain access to the EU market.
Source basis: https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-updates-annual-evaluation-statistics-1
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released its annual evaluation statistics, revealing key compliance gaps in REACH registration dossiers. Since 2009, ECHA has assessed 15,500 registrations covering 3,200 substances. In 2024, 313 compliance checks were conducted, leading to 208 decisions requesting additional data from registrants. Around 30% of companies failed to provide the required information, resulting in referrals to national enforcement authorities. Manufacturers, importers, and downstream users must address these regulatory demands to avoid enforcement actions and ensure continued market access.
In 2024, ECHA evaluated nearly 2,000 registrations, prioritising high-volume chemicals (≥100 tonnes per year) and substances with potential hazards. The agency issued:
208 compliance check decisions targeting data gaps in hazard assessments.161 testing proposal reviews, leading to 92 adopted decisions.241 follow-up evaluations, with 30% of cases escalated to national enforcement authorities due to non-compliance.
For high-volume substances, ECHA checked 34% of dossiers to ensure safety data remains up to date. Businesses dealing with these chemicals must reassess their registration dossiers and respond to ECHA’s data requests promptly.
ECHA’s findings signal stricter enforcement of REACH compliance. The agency has adopted three substance evaluation decisions requesting further data on substances of concern. Additionally, the Joint Evaluation Action Plan (2019–2024) has concluded, shifting focus to enforcement and follow-up measures.
Industries relying on chemicals under scrutiny—such as manufacturing, coatings, and plastics—should prepare for possible regulatory restrictions or reclassification. Companies failing to meet data submission deadlines risk market exclusion, supply chain disruptions, and reputational damage.
To stay compliant, businesses should:
Review and update REACH dossiers to address data gaps.Monitor ECHA’s follow-up actions on the Joint Evaluation Action Plan.Engage with regulatory bodies and ensure timely responses to information requests.
As enforcement efforts increase, proactive compliance strategies will be critical in maintaining market access and avoiding penalties.
The European Parliament’s proposed reforms would substantially expand ECHA’s scientific, regulatory and coordination functions. The changes reinforce transparency, non-animal testing and inter-agency cooperation while increasing regulatory oversight across the EU chemicals sector.
The February 2026 REACH Committee meeting focused on reviewing draft restrictions and authorisations for lead, chromium VI and CMR substances. While no major measures were finalised, the discussions indicate continued regulatory scrutiny and signal important developments ahead of expected votes in April.
The proposed CLP Annex VI update introduces harmonised classifications for over 100 hazardous substances, including SVHCs, PFAS and endocrine disruptors. The changes will impact labelling, safety data and product formulation across multiple sectors, requiring early compliance planning and supply chain engagement.
Subscribe to Foresight Weekly for expert-picked regulatory developments across chemicals, sustainability, product safety, ESG, and HSE.
Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Read by professionals at
