Public Consultations

ECHA Public Consultations

All current ECHA consultations can be viewed on their website at https://www.echa.europa.eu/web/guest/consultations/current

The Authorisation Process

The authorisation procedure aims to assure that the risks from Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are properly controlled and that these substances are progressively replaced by suitable alternatives while ensuring the good functioning of the EU internal market. There are three steps in this process whereby ECHA consults with the public, identification of substances to be included in the Candidate List, recommendation for inclusion of substances from the Candidate List onto the Authorisation List (Annex XIV) and applications for the use of substances included on the Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Any on-going consultations in this area can be viewed on ECHA’s website at the link indicated above.

Restrictions under Consideration

Restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, preparations and articles can have serious trade implications. Restrictions can also have implications for the end user or consumer, as certain products may no longer be on the market for a particular use. ECHA holds public consultations on all restrictions proposals, and stakeholders can submit comments during these consultations.

The Chemicals Helpdesk of the HSA aims to ensure that all stakeholders are consulted as early as possible in the process so that they are given the opportunity to comment on the proposed restrictions and to make any necessary changes to their processes. If you want to be kept informed about upcoming restrictions proposals under REACH you should subscribe to the HSA’s Chemicals E- bulletin. Public consultations on all restrictions are facilitated through the ECHA & EU Consultations website.

ECHA also hosts a Registry of Intentions on its website. This registry allows stakeholders to keep up to date with information on Member State intentions to submit a restriction dossier in the future.

Substances for Harmonised Classification & Labelling

The classification and labelling of certain hazardous chemicals must be harmonised to ensure adequate risk management throughout the European Union. Harmonised classifications and labelling are mandatory for the suppliers of respective substances so that users are better informed about their potential hazardous effects and how best to make use of them safely. The harmonised classification and labelling process includes a period of public consultation that lasts 45 days. Please see ECHA's current consultations.

Testing Proposals

To ensure that the best use has been made of existing information, particularly information on existing vertebrate tests, ECHA publishes all test proposals involving vertebrate animals, for endpoints specified in Annexes IX and X under REACH, on this webpage before the testing is carried out. After a testing proposal has been published, third parties have 45 days to submit "scientifically valid information and studies that address the relevant substance and hazard endpoint, relating to the testing proposal". Please see ECHA's current consultations.

Occupational Exposure Limits

ECHA and its Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) have been supporting the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) by providing scientific opinions on OELs since 2019. RAC provides opinions on occupational exposure limits under the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (2004/37/EC) and the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC) on worker protection from risks related to exposure to substances found in the workplace.

The table at this link provides up-to-date information on the activities planned, ongoing or completed by ECHA in relation to its work on occupational exposure limits.

EU Commission Public Consultations

The EU Commission is welcoming feedback on their fitness check roadmap for the assessment of EU chemicals legislation in regulating endocrine disrupting substances. Endocrine disruptors are regulated specifically in some legislation, and more generally in others. The aim of the fitness check is to ensure that these substances are sufficiently regulated to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment.

For more information or to provide feedback, please see the EU Commission website.

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