The European Union has introduced a new rule aimed at improving how chemicals are assessed for safety across its legislation
Known as the “one substance, one assessment” framework, the new rules entered into force on 1 January 2026 and are designed to make chemical risk assessments more consistent, efficient and transparent throughout the EU.
Chemicals are essential to modern life and are used in a wide range of products, from toys and food packaging to pesticides and biocides. However, many substances can create risks to human health and the environment if not properly regulated.
Until the new one-substance, one assessment framework, different EU laws have often required separate assessments of the same chemical, leading to duplication of work and delays in identifying potential dangers.
A more coordinated approach
The new one-substance, one-assessment framework addresses these challenges by ensuring that each chemical substance is assessed consistently across all relevant EU legislation. This approach reduces overlapping evaluations and helps public authorities share information more effectively.
By aligning assessments, regulators will be able to identify risks earlier and take faster action when necessary. This is expected to strengthen public health and environmental protection while also better utilising scientific resources across the EU.
Data platform for chemicals
A major part of the new system is a common data platform for chemicals, which is expected to become operational within the next 3 years. The platform will bring together chemical data collected under various EU laws into a single, accessible hub.
Open to both public authorities and the general public, the platform will make it easier to access reliable and up-to-date information on chemical substances. Authorities will be able to reuse existing data rather than requesting the same information multiple times, enabling more informed, timely decision-making.
Stronger cooperation between EU agencies
The new rules also aim to improve cooperation between EU agencies involved in chemical regulation. By clearly defining responsibilities and redistributing technical tasks, the framework reduces duplication of scientific work and ensures that assessments are carried out by the agencies best equipped to do so.
A key part of this reform is the expanded role of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which will take on additional technical tasks. This consolidation is expected to improve the consistency and quality of scientific assessments across different sectors.
Detecting risks earlier
Another important element of the package is the introduction of a monitoring and outlook framework for chemicals. This system will collect data systematically and use indicators and early-warning tools to identify emerging chemical risks at an early stage.
By spotting potential problems sooner, the EU can prepare better to respond to new concerns and prevent harm before it occurs. This proactive approach represents a shift from reacting to risks to anticipating them.
A bigger sustainability strategy
The new legislation forms part of the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, adopted in 2020 as part of the European Green Deal and its zero pollution ambition. One of the strategy’s key goals is to improve the effectiveness and coherence of chemical safety assessments across all EU legislation.
The package consists of three legislative acts: a regulation establishing the common data platform and monitoring framework, a regulation improving cooperation among EU agencies, and a directive reallocating technical tasks to ECHA. Together, they show a huge step towards a more efficient, transparent and protective system for managing chemical risks in Europe.
