Chemicals: Deal with Council on simpler and more transparent assessment rules

“One-stop shop” access to data on chemicals

Earlier detection and action on emerging chemical risks

Easier access to information on safer alternatives to chemicals of concern

The ‘one substance, one assessment' package aims to increase the simplicity and transparency of EU chemical rules

The package consists of three proposals to streamline the safety assessments of chemicals across EU legislation by improving the availability and accessibility of data related to chemicals and maximising synergies between the EU agencies involved.

A common data platform to improve access to data

The proposal will establish a common data platform and ‘one-stop shop' access to data on chemicals compiled under EU legislation related to hazards, physico-chemical properties, presence in the environment, emissions, uses, and environmental sustainability. The data platform will also help to better estimate the level of exposure of EU citizens to chemicals by systematically collecting data about the levels of chemicals found in people (e.g. in blood or breast milk).

Following Parliament’s request, the database will be more complete, as there will be a requirement to include information on chemicals present in products as well as safer alternatives to substances of concern. In addition, the agreed text encourages the submission of research data on chemicals while studies on chemicals undertaken to fulfil regulatory obligations will have to be notified to the data platform in order to increase transparency and limit duplication.

Co-legislators also agreed on improving the mechanism to better detect early warnings signs on emerging chemical risks.

Finally, co-legislators agreed to improve cooperation between the relevant EU agencies involved in scientific and technical work on chemicals, in particular the European Chemicals Agency, the European Food Safety Authority, the European Environment Agency and the European Medicines Agency.

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After the deal, rapporteur Dimitris Tsiodras (EPP, EL) said: "Today’s political agreement marks a significant step forward for EU chemicals policy. With the successful conclusion of these three legislative files, Parliament delivers on its promise for a safer, more transparent, and innovation-friendly regulatory system. The creation of the common data platform will enhance transparency, trust, and streamline access to chemical data, enabling faster, science-based decisions while safeguarding data confidentiality and intellectual property rights. At the same time, we are reinforcing protection for citizens and the environment from hazardous chemicals and strengthening the EU’s leadership in sustainable chemicals management.”

Next steps

The deal on the informal agreement between the co-legislators has to be endorsed by both Parliament and Council. It will enter into force 20 days after it has been published in the EU Official Journal.

Background

The reform is part of the 2020 EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability to better protect citizens and the environment, and boost innovation to develop safe and sustainable chemicals. It is part of the EU's zero pollution vision for 2050.

The Commission has announced it will launch a chemicals industry package in 2025 as well as a targeted revision of the EU rules on chemicals (REACH).