Key Points
· EU agrees to streamline chemical assessments across member states
· ‘One Substance, One Assessment’ package aims to unify data
· New common data platform to improve access to chemical info
· Simplifies hazard and risk evaluations for faster decision-making
· Enhances cooperation among EU agencies and member states
· Focus on early detection of chemical risks to health/environment
· Legislation covers products like toys, food, pesticides, medical devices
· ClientEarth welcomes deal, urges swift and effective implementation
· Agreement supports EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability goals
· Formal adoption pending; law enters 20 days after publication
On June 13, 2025, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement to overhaul and streamline the assessment of chemicals used across Europe. This landmark deal, known as the One Substance, One Assessment (OSOA) package, is a cornerstone of the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It aims to unify and simplify the hazard and risk evaluation process for chemicals, making it more coherent, transparent, and efficient for regulators, businesses, and citizens alike.
The Need for Streamlined Chemical Assessments
Fragmented System Challenges
Until now, chemical assessments in the EU have been fragmented, with multiple agencies and member states conducting separate evaluations under different legislative frameworks. This duplication has led to inefficiencies, inconsistent outcomes, and delays in regulating hazardous substances.
Protecting Health and Environment
Chemicals are ubiquitous in everyday products—ranging from toys and food packaging to pesticides and medical devices. Ensuring these substances are thoroughly assessed and safely managed is vital for protecting human health and the environment. The OSOA initiative addresses these challenges by creating a unified framework that enhances regulatory clarity and accelerates decision-making.
Key Elements of the OSOA Package
Common Data Platform
A central feature of the agreement is the establishment of a common data platform that will consolidate chemical information from approximately 70 existing legislative sources. This ‘one-stop shop’ will provide easy access to comprehensive data on chemical hazards, risks, and uses, facilitating better-informed decisions by regulators and stakeholders.
Legislative Components
The OSOA package consists of three legislative proposals:
· A regulation establishing the common data platform
· A regulation reallocating technical tasks and boosting cooperation among EU agencies
· A directive transferring certain technical responsibilities to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
These measures aim to harmonize assessments, reduce duplication, and strengthen scientific collaboration.
Early Warning and Risk Monitoring
The package introduces a new monitoring and outlook framework designed to detect chemical risks early, including subtle exposure events or emissions that could cause harm before irreversible damage occurs. This proactive approach is intended to enable timely regulatory action.
Benefits for Stakeholders
For People and Consumers
Citizens will benefit from faster and more reliable safety evaluations of chemicals in products they use daily, ensuring better protection from hazardous substances.
For Businesses
Companies will experience a more predictable and transparent regulatory environment, reducing administrative burdens and facilitating innovation and market access.
For EU and Member State Authorities
Regulators will gain improved tools and cooperation mechanisms, enabling more consistent and efficient chemical risk management across the EU.
Reactions from Key Figures and Organizations
European Commission
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Economy, welcomed the agreement:
“Today’s provisional agreement paves the way for a safer and healthier future for people and the environment. This more coherent and efficient legal framework on chemicals, with simplified assessment processes, will make it easier to do business while ensuring swifter protection from hazardous chemicals.”
ClientEarth
Environmental NGO ClientEarth hailed the deal as a “big step forward” to increase public trust in chemical decision-making. Legal expert Julian Schenten emphasized:
“The rules are on paper, now authorities, above all the Commission and EU Agencies, must transpose them into easily accessible and impactful tools without delay. This long-awaited deal shows political compromise on chemicals is still possible in 2025.”
ClientEarth also urged policymakers to use this momentum to strengthen the REACH regulation, enhancing protections for public health and the environment.
Implementation and Next Steps
Formal Adoption Process
The provisional agreement now awaits formal adoption by the European Parliament and the Council. Once published in the Official Journal of the EU, the legislation will enter into force 20 days later.
Future Outlook
The OSOA package represents a foundational reform in EU chemical policy, supporting the broader Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. It is expected to facilitate more effective regulation of chemicals, reduce duplication of efforts, and improve transparency and public access to chemical safety information.
Broader Context: EU Chemicals Policy Landscape
Alignment with Global Agreements
The EU’s efforts to streamline chemical assessments align with international conventions such as the Rotterdam Convention, which governs the trade of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. The EU continues to advocate for shared responsibility and cooperative efforts to protect health and the environment globally.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite progress, challenges remain in ensuring rapid implementation and maintaining high standards of chemical safety amid evolving scientific knowledge and industry innovation. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring, transparency, and public engagement.
The agreement by EU institutions to streamline chemical assessments marks a significant milestone in European environmental and public health policy. By creating a unified data platform and harmonizing evaluation processes, the EU aims to enhance safety, transparency, and efficiency in managing chemicals. As the legislation moves toward formal adoption, its successful implementation will be crucial to safeguarding people and the environment while supporting sustainable economic growth.