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The latest version of the OECD QSAR Toolbox version 4.8 has been released, introducing new functionalities and technical improvements to enhance usability, transparency, and data security. The QSAR Toolbox is a freely available software that supports chemical hazard assessment and reduces the need for animal testing. It is developed jointly by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the OECD Environment Directorate, and implemented by the Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry.

• Integration of metabolism data: Users can now import and visualise structural data and metadata from metabolism databases, strengthening the analysis of biotransformation processes.
• New and updated databases and profiles: The update adds new datasets and improves existing ones to expand chemical coverage and enhance predictive accuracy.
• Updated QSAR documentation: The documentation of QSAR predictions has been revised in line with the OECD QSAR Assessment Framework to ensure greater transparency and consistency.
• Improved security and support: Updated libraries and software components enhance system stability and data protection.

The release notes for QSAR Toolbox 4.8 are available here.

On 1 October 2025, the European Union notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of two draft Commission Regulations revising the data requirements for active substances and plant protection products under the EU’s pesticides legislation. Comments on both measures can be submitted until 30 November 2025.

Updates to Active Substance Data Requirements

Notification G/TBT/N/EU/1162, concerns updates to active substance data requirements in plant protection products. These updates are set out in a draft amendment to Commission Regulation (EU) No 283/2013.

The proposal seeks to adapt the existing data requirements in light of scientific and technical progress, incorporating new methodologies and guidance from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the OECD. It incorporates new approaches for risk assessment, introduces alternatives to non-animal testing, and brings testing requirements into line with other EU legislation, such as REACH.

This initiative forms part of a wider update package, which also includes revisions to Regulation (EU) No 284/2013 (product-level data requirements) and Regulation (EU) No 546/2011 (uniform evaluation principles).

Amendment to Product-Level Data Requirements

Notification G/TBT/N/EU/1164, proposes a corresponding amendment to Commission Regulation (EU) No 284/2013, which specifies the data requirements for the authorisation and renewal of plant protection products.

This update mirrors the objectives of G/TBT/N/EU/1162, ensuring coherence between active substance and product-level assessments. It introduces revised testing and reporting provisions for efficacy, residues, and risk assessments, taking into account recent EFSA guidance on birds, mammals, and bees, as well as the impact of water treatment processes.

Next Steps

Both measures are expected to be adopted by the European Commission in the second quarter of 2026 and will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The provisions will apply from two months after they enter into force.