The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is stepping into a major new role under the EU’s One Substance, One Assessment (OSOA) package, taking the lead on creating a unified chemical safety system across Europe.
Working with other EU agencies, ECHA will spearhead the development of a common data platform on chemicals, streamline assessments, and strengthen collaboration to better protect human health and the environment.
Dr Sharon McGuinness, ECHA’s Executive Director, said: "The OSOA package represents a significant step towards a more efficient chemical safety system in Europe. By joining forces with our partner agencies and authorities, we will create a system that anticipates risks, and brings together existing knowledge, and supports innovation.
“Our shared goal is clear: a safer, more sustainable Europe through collaboration and science-based action."
Under the legislation, ECHA takes on a host of new responsibilities designed to deliver coherent, predictable, and transparent chemical assessments, while improving efficiency and consistency across EU chemical laws.
At the core of the OSOA package is a Regulation on a common data platform and monitoring framework, which ECHA will manage alongside the European Environment Agency (EEA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and EU-OSHA.
The platform will consolidate information from multiple sources, offering an information platform for chemical monitoring, a repository of reference values, and databases covering standard formats, controlled vocabularies, regulatory processes, legal obligations, chemicals in products, alternatives to substances of concern, and environmental sustainability
“This will create a one-stop-shop for chemicals data, improving transparency and accessibility for regulators, industry, and the public,” ECHA said.
With these new powers, ECHA is positioning itself as the central hub for chemical safety in Europe, delivering stronger protection for citizens and the environment while supporting innovation and regulatory clarity.
