European Chemicals Agency
Overview
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is a regulatory authority which operates within the framework of the European Union (EU). Established in 2007, the ECHA is responsible for implementing the EU's complex chemical legislation, with a primary focus on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. The ECHA's main objective is to ensure the safe use of chemicals, thereby protecting human health and the environment, while also promoting innovation and competitiveness within the EU's chemical industry.
History
The European Chemicals Agency was established by Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The regulation, also known as the REACH regulation, was adopted on 18 December 2006 and entered into force on 1 June 2007. The ECHA's headquarters are located in Helsinki, Finland.
Role and Responsibilities
The ECHA's primary role is to manage the technical, scientific, and administrative aspects of the REACH regulation, as well as the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation. The agency is also responsible for the implementation of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regulation.
REACH Regulation
The REACH regulation is the cornerstone of the ECHA's work. It requires companies to register chemical substances that they manufacture or import into the EU in quantities of one tonne or more per year. The aim of the regulation is to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals, while also enhancing the competitiveness of the EU's chemical industry.
Biocidal Products Regulation
The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) concerns the placing on the market and use of biocidal products, which are used to protect humans, animals, materials, or articles against harmful organisms. The ECHA is responsible for the technical and scientific aspects of the BPR, including the evaluation of active substances and the authorisation of biocidal products.
Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation
The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation aims to ensure a high level of protection of health and the environment, as well as the free movement of substances, mixtures, and articles. The ECHA manages the CLP Inventory, which contains classification and labelling information on notified and registered substances received from manufacturers and importers.
Prior Informed Consent Regulation
The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regulation administers the import and export of certain hazardous chemicals and places obligations on companies who wish to export these chemicals to non-EU countries. The ECHA plays a key role in the implementation of the PIC regulation, providing technical and scientific support and managing the notification process.
Structure and Organization
The ECHA is governed by a Management Board, which is responsible for the agency's budget, work programme, and organisational structure. The Executive Director, appointed by the Management Board, manages the ECHA's day-to-day operations. The agency also includes several committees and forums that focus on specific areas of chemical regulation.