Joint industry recommendations launched on Assessment of Regulatory Needs reports (ARN): An early warning signal for chemicals

As Europe shifts to safer and more sustainable chemicals, it is crucial for industry to understand the chemicals that may require a deeper hazard and risk analysis. This latest peer-to-peer communication, developed in collaboration with Eurometaux, International Fragrance Association (IFRA), FuelsEurope and the Downstream Users of Chemicals Co-ordination Group (DUCC), aims to help other industry members by providing clarity on ECHA’s Assessment of Regulatory Needs reports (ARN).

ARN is an important tool to understand and enhance pre-screening assessment for chemical safety. It is also crucial for all actors involved in the chemical supply chain to fully grasp the purpose and boundaries of ARN and how it fits into the larger chemical safety and regulatory risk management landscape.

• In around 60% of the cases, the substances in scope of the ARN are not subject to further regulatory risk management measures!
• For the remaining 40%, the ARN are often triggering further data collection and generation on the substances, and assess whether and which regulatory risk management measures would be needed.

The ARN reports aim to help the industry anticipate potential regulatory actions, in particular registrants. As such, we encourage industry to proactively update registration dossiers when necessary, particularly if there is the prospect of further regulatory action.