The European Commission has recently launched a consultation on a proposed “Basic Regulation” for the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), marking a significant step in the evolution of EU chemicals governance. This initiative, part of the broader European Green Deal and Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, reflects the growing importance of ECHA in managing chemical risks across multiple regulatory frameworks.
Established under the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, ECHA was originally designed to implement a single, albeit complex, piece of legislation. Over time, however, its mandate has expanded considerably, incorporating responsibilities under additional regulations such as CLP, BPR and PIC. As a result, ECHA’s current legal basis— largely embedded within REACH—has become increasingly fragmented and no longer fully aligned with its operational reality.
The proposed Basic Regulation aims to address this gap by creating a standalone legal framework for ECHA. According to the European Commission, the initiative is intended to streamline the Agency’s governance, clarify its mandate, and ensure that it can effectively manage its expanding portfolio of tasks. In particular, the reform seeks to consolidate responsibilities that are currently dispersed across different legislative instruments, thereby improving coherence and efficiency.
A key objective of the proposal is to strengthen ECHA’s governance structure and decision-making processes. This includes enhancing transparency, reinforcing the role of scientific committees, and ensuring better coordination with other EU bodies involved in chemical risk assessment, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Such coordination is increasingly important in light of the “one substance, one assessment” approach, which aims to harmonise chemical evaluations across sectors.
Another important aspect concerns financial sustainability. As ECHA’s responsibilities grow, so do the resources required to support its activities. The Basic Regulation is expected to introduce a more stable and transparent funding model, reducing reliance on fees and ensuring that the Agency can meet future regulatory demands.
The consultation phase plays a crucial role in shaping the final legislative proposal. Stakeholders—including industry, regulators, NGOs and academia are invited to provide feedback on the scope, structure and potential impacts of the regulation. This participatory approach is consistent with EU policymaking practices and aims to ensure that the new framework is both effective and proportionate.
In conclusion, the proposed Basic Regulation for ECHA represents a pivotal development in EU chemicals policy. By modernising the Agency’s legal foundation, the European Commission seeks to enhance regulatory coherence, improve efficiency, and ultimately strengthen the protection of human health and the environment in an increasingly complex chemical landscape.
