ECHA report highlights shift toward substance evaluation under REACH and CLP
Last update on Jun 4, 2026
The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) fourth report on the operation of REACH and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation shows that these laws continue to play an important role in managing chemical safety in the EU.
The report also identifies challenges for the effective implementation of the legislation. These include the availability and quality of data as well as a lack of timely updates to registrations, which are needed for effective evaluation, risk assessment and the management of chemicals. The increased workload of ECHA’s scientific committees is also highlighted as a limitation of the current framework.
Applying structured risk management measures
While the earlier reports focused on REACH registration deadlines, the current reporting period shows a shift towards the systematic examination of substances already in the database.
This includes screening and prioritization of substances, generating targeted data and applying structured risk management measures. As a result, substances requiring regulatory action can be identified and addressed more quickly, contributing to further reductions in emissions and lower exposure for consumers and workers.
The report also identifies challenges for the effective implementation of the legislation. These include the availability and quality of data as well as a lack of timely updates to registrations, which are needed for effective evaluation, risk assessment and the management of chemicals. The increased workload of ECHA’s scientific committees is also highlighted as a limitation of the current framework.
Background
REACH covers the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals in the EU and aims to improve the protection of health and the environment from chemical risks, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.
The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation ensures that chemical hazards are clearly communicated to workers and consumers in the EU through the classification and labelling of chemicals.
This report fulfils a legal requirement under Article 117(2) of the REACH Regulation. It also examines the operation of CLP where processes overlap.