The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the body overseeing UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), has provided an exhaustive account of its regulatory undertakings for 2023, underscoring notable advancements in the evaluation of chemical substances to affirm compliance with safety standards and to enhance animal welfare in scientific examinations.
Dossier Evaluation: Upholding Compliance
At the heart of the UK REACH framework is the meticulous evaluation of registration dossiers, which includes compliance checks and the assessment of testing proposals. In 2023, HSE remained dedicated to ensuring that the information provided by registrants adheres to the strict legal requirements. The agency particularly concentrated on 'novel' substances, those not previously registered under EU REACH prior to 1 January 2021.
The report indicated that 53 valid dossiers for novel substances were submitted, with compliance checks completed on 29 (55%) by the end of the year. This focused strategy was dictated by transitional provisions leading to many registrations presenting limited data. The situation regarding data is anticipated to progress as forthcoming submission deadlines in 2026, 2028, and 2030 approach.
Championing the 3Rs in Testing Proposals
A fundamental aspect of HSE's evaluation process is the review of testing proposals aimed at generating necessary information on chemical substances. These proposals are rigorously assessed to ensure they conform to the 3Rs principle—Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement of animals in testing. In 2023, HSE received a testing proposal centred on toxicological information, endorsing the 3Rs approach. Moreover, adjustments were made to various testing proposals to replace in vivo tests with in vitro methods or non-vertebrate methods, further highlighting the commitment to animal welfare.
Significant Decisions on Testing Proposals
The decisions made in 2023 reflect careful deliberation of both scientific integrity and ethical standards. For example, a proposal involving (R)-1-((4-amino-2-bromo-5-fluorophenyl)amino)-3-(benzyloxy)propan-2-ol 4-methylbenzenesulfonate maintained its in vivo genetic toxicity testing, while another regarding 8-Oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoic acid transitioned from in vivo to in vitro testing, in line with the 3Rs principle.
In other instances, the agency advocated for tiered testing strategies involving non-vertebrate methods prior to considering more invasive tests, demonstrating a progressive attitude towards minimising animal testing wherever possible.
Forward Look
The HSE's endeavours in 2023 highlight a dual commitment to ensuring the safety of chemical substances on the UK market and advancing the ethical treatment of animals in scientific research. As the agency transitions from EU REACH, its adaptable and forward-thinking approach is set to establish a benchmark in regulatory excellence and advocacy for animal welfare.
