By Anna Caldiroli
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has recently updated its annual statistics on the progress of its evaluation activities. One of its main objectives is to ensure that the available data on chemical substances is always up to date, allowing for an informed and safe use of chemicals that protects both human health and the environment.
Let’s look at the numbers
- 15,500 – The number of registration dossiers that have undergone compliance checks between 2009 and 2024. This figure represents about 23% of all dossiers received by ECHA and covers 3,200 substances. The percentage rises to 34% when considering only substances registered in quantities ≥100 t/year.
- 313 – The number of compliance checks conducted by ECHA in 2024, involving almost 2,000 registrations and 272 substances. These checks focused on dossiers that were likely to have data gaps.
- 208 – The number of decisions sent to companies requesting additional data to clarify the long-term effects of chemical substances on human health or the environment.
- 161 – The number of testing proposals examined, leading to 92 decisions requiring companies to conduct the initially proposed tests. These measures aim to deepen the understanding of the effects of chemical substances to ensure their safe use.
What is the impact on the SDS?
As widely known, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) have long been an essential tool for providing downstream information on products (both substances and mixtures). They allow for the quick identification of products, their hazard classification, labeling elements (including transport information), properties (physical, chemical, toxicological, and ecological), and relevant management aspects.
SDSs are required in the cases described in Article 31 of the REACH Regulation and follow the structure and detailed content specified in Annex II. According to this annex, the information on substances listed in an SDS must be consistent with the data contained in the registration dossier and the Chemical Safety Report (CSR), where applicable.
If additional testing is conducted upstream in the supply chain to expand knowledge about a substance’s properties, it is likely that:
- The classification of the substance may change if the test results reveal properties meeting the classification criteria established in Annex I of CLP.
- The information included in the SDS may be updated. As downstream users or distributors, the SDSs received from suppliers must be incorporated into internal SDSs.
- An update of documentation (SDSs, labels, and, if necessary, PCN notifications for mixtures containing these substances) will be required.
How can we support our clients?
Among the various tools and services we offer, a comprehensive understanding of regulations can help our clients navigate—or better yet, prevent—situations that could become complex over time.
To stay prepared and maintain up-to-date records, clients can:
✔ Purchase dedicated regulatory training hours
✔ Attend our webinars (live or on-demand)
This ensures that their documentation remains compliant, and they can effectively manage chemical safety obligations.
