RAC

The REACH and CLP Regulations aim to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals and to ensure that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to workers and consumers in the EU through classification and labelling of chemicals. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is responsible for the implementation of the chemical legislation. Its Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) prepares opinions on the following:

• Appropriateness of proposed REACH restrictions on manufacture, placing on the market or use of a substance in reducing the risk to human health and the environment,
• Risks arising from the uses of a SVHC (substance of very high concern) when a REACH application for authorization is submitted,
• Harmonized classification and labelling of substances under CLP,
• Scientific opinions on occupational exposure limits under the Chemical Agents Directive (CAD) and the
• Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (CMD).
• Under the Drinking Water Directive (DWD), first notifications of intention and submissions of applications are expected in 2026 followed by the first RAC opinions in 2027.
• Further tasks will be added in the future, e.g. on the batteries regulation.
   

With this work, LIST actively supports the Luxembourgish competent authority (AEV) and relevant ministry (MECB) in the implementation of REACH and CLP at European level and valorizes risk assessment competences and expertise gained at the national level in different policy contexts (scientific policy support dedicated to different national administrations). This work has a direct impact on workers, consumers, and the protection of the environment in the European Union. The work is closely related to the national REACH&CLP Helpdesk run by LIST and ECHA’s Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC, with a LIST expert nominated by Luxembourg) and facilitates a good collaboration and access to the ECHA and other Member State competent authorities. Finally, LIST’s RDI activities related to chemical safety and risk management will benefit from this activity.

The draft opinions prepared by the RAC member acting as rapporteur undergo consultation and commenting by the entire RAC (about 50 members), oral discussion during working group meetings and if necessary, also during the plenary meetings, which are held every 3 months in Helsinki. The final decision is taken by the European Commission, which will implement these harmonized classifications into law, i.e. they are legally binding. They also provide the basis for restrictions, authorizations, OELs by identifying the health concerns related to the evaluated chemicals. Furthermore, these classifications will also impact other regulations, such as cosmetic products, pesticides, biocides, etc. Therefore, acting as rapporteur for the preparation of scientific opinions has a direct impact on the regulation, use restriction or authorization of chemicals and the protection of human and environmental health.

More information on RAC