On 22 July 2026, the Permanent Representatives Committee endorsed the final compromise text of a regulation establishing a single legal framework for the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), replacing the governance provisions currently scattered across multiple pieces of EU chemicals legislation. The Presidency has sent the agreed text to the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) for consideration.
The regulation consolidates ECHA's governance into one act, covering its extended tasks under several EU chemicals laws listed in Annex I. It formalises the Agency's committees—RAC, SEAC, SCCS, and BPC—and introduces mandatory annual declarations of interest for committee members, with the Management Board tasked to adopt conflict-of-interest rules. The Agency's seat remains in Helsinki, Finland.
Under the new rules, the Management Board appoints the Executive Director, committee members, and the Board of Appeal, and adopts the annual activity report, programming document, budget, and financial rules. Member States nominate one RAC and one SEAC member each, plus up to three additional members, with no nationality requirement. The SCCS becomes a formal Agency committee with a five-year term, open expert selection, and at least two members per expertise field.
The regulation also clarifies the Agency's scientific advisory role: RAC provides opinions on occupational exposure limits and other hazard or risk matters upon Commission request. The Agency may refuse a scientific advice request from the European Parliament or a Member State with justification. The Commission receives delegated powers to establish procedures for such requests.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The regulation strikes a balance between centralising ECHA's governance and preserving Member State influence through nomination rights. By formalising conflict-of-interest rules and committee structures, it aims to enhance transparency and scientific integrity. However, the ability to refuse advice requests from the European Parliament or Member States may raise concerns about accountability and access to scientific expertise.
Impact on stakeholders - ECHA: Gains a consolidated legal basis and clearer procedures, but faces new administrative burdens from conflict-of-interest declarations and committee formalisation. - EU Member States: Retain significant influence through nomination rights, but lose some flexibility as committees become more structured. - Chemical industry: Benefits from more predictable and transparent scientific advice processes, but may face delays if advice requests are refused. - European Parliament and Member States: Gain a formal channel for scientific advice requests, but may be denied without clear recourse.
Institutional follow-up The European Parliament's ENVI Committee will now consider the compromise text. If approved, the regulation will proceed to a vote in plenary and then to the Council for formal adoption. The regulation is expected to enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.