ECHA's 2024-2028 Strategy: Tackling Key Regulatory Challenges in Chemical Safety
This strategy aims to advance chemical safety through science, collaboration, and knowledge, emphasising the protection of human health and the environment.
The Enforcement Forum, a collaborative network of enforcement authorities across EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, has set ambitious priorities for 2025. Coordinated by ECHA, the Forum outlined key initiatives during its Forum-48 meeting held from 19-22 November 2024. These include strengthening enforcement of hazardous mixture labelling, improving oversight of chemical imports, and refining strategies to enhance compliance with EU chemical safety regulations.
REF-14: Labelling of Hazardous Mixtures
One of the Forum's major initiatives for 2025 is the REF-14 project. This EU-wide programme will focus on ensuring compliance with classification and labelling requirements for hazardous mixtures in everyday products such as electronic cigarettes and air fresheners. To support this, a working group has been established, with members tasked to nominate experts by 20 December 2024.
Training for Inspectors
In alignment with REF-14, training sessions for enforcement authorities will focus on bridging principles for classifying mixtures. These programmes aim to standardise enforcement practices and ensure accurate hazard communication across Member States. Suggestions for training materials are due by 14 February 2025.
Key Findings from 2024 Enforcement Efforts
The Forum reviewed the outcomes of past projects, including REF-11 on Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which assessed the accuracy and compliance of these essential documents. Insights from this project will shape future enforcement guidance. Additionally, a pilot project on perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCA) in cosmetics concluded, with a stakeholder workshop planned for January 2025 to share results.
Collaborative Efforts with EUIPO
To combat counterfeiting and improve chemical safety, the Forum plans to collaborate with the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). This partnership aims to integrate intellectual property considerations into chemical enforcement projects.
Source:
echa.europa.eu
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