ECHA Publishes Single Programming Document for 2025–2027: Focus on Chemical Safety Sustainability and Digital Transformation

On 3 February 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published its Single Programming Document for 2025–2027, outlining its strategic objectives and regulatory actions for the next three years. The plan reinforces ECHA’s role in ensuring chemical safety, supporting regulatory compliance, and advancing the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and Green Deal objectives.

Accelerating Regulatory Action on Chemicals of Concern

ECHA is strengthening its Integrated Regulatory Strategy (IRS) to accelerate the identification and management of hazardous substances. The Agency will focus on streamlining hazard assessments, prioritizing high risk chemicals and ensuring timely regulatory action to protect human health and the environment.

Enhancing the Biocidal Products Regulation Process

The Agency aims to reduce delays in the evaluation of active substances under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) by improving the quality of dossiers, enhancing coordination with Member States, and optimizing assessment processes. This includes faster approvals of biocidal product families and better allocation of resources to support industry compliance.

Strengthening Non-Animal Testing Approaches

In line with EU policy objectives, ECHA will increase its efforts to promote alternative testing methods to reduce reliance on animal testing while ensuring regulatory robustness. This includes working with stakeholders to develop and integrate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into chemical safety assessments.

Driving Digital Transformation in Chemical Management

A strong focus on IT development will improve the efficiency and accessibility of regulatory processes. ECHA is working to modernize digital tools, improve data integration across different regulatory frameworks, and ensure that industry stakeholders have seamless access to compliance information.

Supporting Industry and Member States with Compliance

To help companies and authorities meet regulatory requirements, ECHA will expand its training, guidance, and technical support initiatives. This will include workshops, online resources, and tailor-made compliance tools for regulations such as REACH, CLP, and BPR.

Promoting Sustainability in Chemical Management

ECHA will continue to support the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) initiative, encouraging industry to move towards greener chemicals and circular economy principles. The Agency will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that sustainability considerations are embedded in chemical safety decisions.

Expected Results and Regulatory Impact

• More efficient regulatory action, leading to a higher number of restriction dossiers and harmonized classification proposals.

• Reduced delays in the assessment of biocidal products, ensuring timely market access while maintaining safety standards.

• Increased adoption of non-animal testing approaches, in line with ethical and scientific advances.

• Improved digital regulatory tools, making compliance processes more user-friendly and transparent.

ECHA’s Single Programming Document for 2025-2027 sets a clear roadmap for strengthening chemical safety while promoting innovation and sustainability across the EU. The full document is available here.