On June 17, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Enforcement Forum launched REF-14, an EU-wide initiative to ensure products containing hazardous mixtures are correctly classified, labeled, and packaged to protect consumers, especially children, from chemical risks.
Focus Areas for Inspection
- Verification of supplier compliance with the CLP regulations for product classification, labeling, packaging, and child safety features.
- Evaluation of notifications and Safety Data Sheets provided by suppliers to toxicology centers.
- Overview of consumer products containing hazardous substances, including toxic nicotine and allergenic air fresheners. These products often lack proper labels, classification, and child safety measures, increasing exposure risks for children.
Project REF-14 Timeline: Completion of preparatory activities by 2025; launch scheduled for 2026.
Pilot Project Focused on Only Representatives
The forum has determined that the pilot enforcement project will target substances registered by Only Representatives and those in mixtures, focusing on uncovering regulatory evasion and fraud to maintain fair international competition.
Ensure registered tonnage accuracy and that the OR has preserved importer records and fulfilled Safety Data Sheet obligations.
Enhancing Transparency
To boost transparency, the forum will live stream future stakeholder workshops to showcase enforcement project outcomes and recommendations. This initiative helps deepen public understanding of compliance and enforcement progress. The forum and its Biocidal Products Regulation Subcommittee (BPRS) also continue to oversee ongoing projects and evaluate international enforcement results. The last meeting occurred from June 10 to 14, 2024, with the next scheduled for November 2024.
Background
The Enforcement Forum and its Biocidal Products Group, comprising regulatory agencies from the EU and EEA, oversee compliance with REACH, CLP, PIC, POPs, and Biocidal Products regulations. Their efforts ensure public health, environmental safety, and fair competition across the EU market.
