As a trusted partner in regulatory compliance, REACH24H brings you the latest industry updates from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). In November 2024, ECHA’s Enforcement Forum held its meeting remotely, unveiling crucial updates on enforcement priorities and launching new initiatives for the year ahead. These developments are set to impact businesses across various industries, including chemicals, biocides, and consumer products.

Revised Enforcement Programme for 2025

ECHA’s Forum adopted a revised work programme for 2024–2025, emphasizing the following key enforcement priorities for 2025:

• Control of imports to ensure compliance with EU regulations.
• Online sales monitoring to address non-compliant products in e-commerce.
• Classification and labeling of mixtures, including biocidal products, ensuring that hazardous mixtures meet legal requirements.

The revised programme, set to be published on ECHA’s website soon, highlights the Forum’s commitment to stricter regulatory oversight and improved consumer safety.

New Enforcement Projects Underway

The Forum also initiated several new projects:

• Preparation for REF-14: This EU-wide harmonized enforcement project will focus on classification and labeling requirements for hazardous mixtures, including those in consumer products such as electronic cigarettes and air fresheners. Inspector training and project groundwork have already begun.
• Pilot Project on Only Representatives: This initiative will monitor the compliance of only representatives registering imported substances under REACH, ensuring adherence to regulatory obligations.

These projects underline ECHA’s dedication to harmonized enforcement practices and addressing emerging compliance challenges.

Insights from Ongoing and Concluded Projects

The Forum provided updates on ongoing and completed enforcement projects, including:

• REF-11: An EU-wide project focusing on safety data sheets, with its final report expected later this year.
• Pilot Project on Restricted Substances in Cosmetics: Results from this initiative were reviewed, paving the way for stricter enforcement of cosmetics regulations.
• Advice on Enforceability of Restrictions for 2025: Discussions continue to ensure new restrictions are practical and enforceable.

Biocidal Product Regulation Subgroup (BPRS) Initiatives

The Biocidal Product Regulation Subgroup (BPRS) finalized its plans for BEF-3, an enforcement project examining product characteristics summaries and labeling for biocidal products. Inspections for BEF-3 are scheduled to begin in January 2025.

Additionally, BPRS is preparing inspector training for 2025, ensuring consistent enforcement of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) across the EU.

Looking Ahead

The Forum and BPRS also exchanged national experiences on enforcement challenges, focusing on emerging topics and harmonizing practices. Their next meetings are scheduled for March 2025, where further updates on ongoing projects and new initiatives are expected.

Source: Highlights from November Forum meeting

How REACH24H Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant

Navigating the complexities of ECHA’s regulatory updates and enforcement priorities can be challenging. At REACH24H, we provide expert support to ensure your business remains compliant and competitive in the EU market.

Our services include:

• Comprehensive guidance on REACH and CLP compliance.
• Biocidal product registration and labeling solutions.
• Training for regulatory professionals to stay ahead of industry developments.