European Chemicals Agency

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European Chemicals Agency

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is an agency of the European Union (EU) which manages the technical, scientific, and administrative aspects of the EU's chemicals legislation. ECHA was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. The agency plays a crucial role in implementing the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, which aims to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals.

History

ECHA was established by the European Commission in 2007 to oversee the implementation of the REACH regulation. The agency was created to centralize and streamline the process of chemical regulation within the EU, ensuring that chemicals are used safely and responsibly.

Functions

ECHA's primary functions include:

• Managing the registration of chemicals produced or imported into the EU in quantities of one tonne or more per year.
• Evaluating the information submitted by companies to ensure compliance with REACH requirements.
• Authorizing the use of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and restricting the use of hazardous chemicals.
• Providing information on chemicals to the public and promoting the safe use of chemicals.

Structure

ECHA is governed by a Management Board, which includes representatives from the European Commission, EU member states, and stakeholders. The agency is divided into several directorates, each responsible for different aspects of its work, including registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals.

Key Regulations

ECHA is responsible for implementing several key pieces of EU chemicals legislation, including:

• REACH Regulation
• Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation
• Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)
• Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation

Related Pages

• European Union
• European Commission
• REACH Regulation
• Classification, Labelling and Packaging
• Biocidal Products Regulation
• Prior Informed Consent

See Also

• European Environment Agency
• European Food Safety Authority
• European Medicines Agency