European Chemicals Bureau

European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) was an agency of the European Union (EU) that aimed to provide scientific and technical support to the EU's policies and legislation on chemicals. It played a crucial role in the assessment and management of chemicals to ensure their safe use and to protect human health and the environment. The ECB was established in 1993 and was located in Ispra, Italy, as part of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. In 2008, its responsibilities were transferred to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which is based in Helsinki, Finland.

History

The European Chemicals Bureau was created to support the implementation of EU chemicals legislation, notably the Existing Substances Regulation (EEC) No 793/93. Its primary tasks included the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of data on chemicals, as well as the development of technical guidance and tools for risk assessment. Over the years, the ECB played a pivotal role in the development of the EU's chemical policy, contributing to the establishment of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, which came into force in 2007.

Functions and Responsibilities

The main functions of the ECB included:

• Conducting risk assessments of existing and new chemical substances.
• Developing and maintaining databases on chemical substances, such as the European chemical Substances Information System (ESIS).
• Providing scientific and technical support for the development and implementation of EU chemicals legislation.
• Facilitating information exchange between the European Commission, EU Member States, industry, and other stakeholders.

Transition to ECHA

In 2008, with the full implementation of the REACH Regulation, the responsibilities of the ECB were transferred to the newly established European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This transition marked a significant shift in the EU's approach to chemical management, focusing on a more comprehensive and integrated system for the registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals within the EU.

Legacy

The legacy of the European Chemicals Bureau is evident in the ongoing work of ECHA, which continues to build on the scientific and technical foundations laid by the ECB. The databases, tools, and methodologies developed by the ECB remain integral to the EU's chemical management framework, facilitating the continued protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals.

See Also

• European Chemicals Agency
• Joint Research Centre (European Commission)
• REACH Regulation
• Chemical safety
• Environmental policy of the European Union