New European priorities for Chemical Enforcement: the ECHA Forum 2026–2027 programme

The Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement (Forum) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published its 2026–2027 work programme, outlining the main strategic priorities to strengthen harmonised enforcement of chemical legislation across the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA).

The programme reflects the objectives of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), promoting a more effective, sustainable, and competitive regulatory environment. Planned activities aim to reinforce joint action among Member States, enhance inter-agency cooperation, and address the most critical areas of non-compliance.

Main Enforcement Priorities

• Import Controls
  • Data show high non-compliance rates for imported mixtures and articles (up to 64% for CLP labelling).
  • The Forum will prioritise projects to strengthen import controls, ensuring fair competition and safety.

• Online Sales
  • Online sales of chemical products have very high non-compliance rates (over 75%).
  • Controls on distance selling will be reinforced, leveraging new provisions from the Digital Services Act and the General Product Safety Regulation.

• Integrated Enforcement
  • Many products are subject to multiple regulations (REACH, POPs, BPR, RoHS, etc.).
  • The Forum will promote integrated controls to optimise resources and increase effectiveness.

• Enhanced Cooperation
  • Collaboration with customs, environmental authorities, labour inspectorates, and European networks (e.g., SLIC CHEMEX, IMPEL, PREG).
  • Support for national authorities in enforcing ECHA decisions.
    
    

Specific Focus Area

• Regulatory Risk Management: Targeted enforcement on REACH restrictions, authorisations, CLP classification and labelling, POPs restrictions, and biocides.
• New Provisions: Focus on implementing new restrictions and requirements, including those from legislative revisions and EU sanctions.
• Advice on Enforceability: The Forum will continue to provide input on the enforceability of new restrictions and analytical methods.

Operational Approaches and Planned Actions

• Coordinated Enforcement Projects: Ongoing REF and BEF projects, with new focuses on imports, online sales, classification/labelling, and occupational safety.
• Rapid Initiatives: Launch of rapid enforcement actions to address emergencies or new challenges.
• Training: Annual training programmes for inspectors and sharing of best practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Open sessions and workshops with industry, NGOs, and national authorities.
• Preparation for Regulatory Changes: Analysis of the impact of REACH and CLP revisions on the Forum’s mandate.