On February 3, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released its strategic plan for 2025-2027 and a detailed work plan for 2025, marking the second phase of its 2024-2028 strategy. The guiding principle of "Promoting Chemical Safety through Science, Collaboration, and Knowledge" will persist, with a 19.5% increase in EU REACH Registration fees expected from April 1, 2025.
Regulatory Updates and Budget
Following a 2024 organisational review, ECHA plans to implement structural and procedural optimisations. The European Commission also intends to propose amendments to the REACH Regulation and ECHA's basic regulations.
From April 1, 2025, REACH registration fees are forecast to rise by 19.5%. ECHA's total annual expenses and charges are expected to be around €33–34 million from 2025 to 2028.
The European Commission's draft budget anticipates a total REACH subsidy of 76.3 million Euros in 2025, rising to 77.2 million Euros by 2026, in line with the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Contributions from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and bank interest income are expected to total around 3 million Euros annually.
Key Focus Areas
- Task Implementation: ECHA will push forward tasks concerning drinking water, batteries, cross-border health threats, and industrial emissions.
- Legislation and Collaboration: ECHA will advance the "One Substance, One Assessment" legislation, working closely with member states and the European Commission to provide risk management support.
- Scientific Opinions and Decisions: ECHA will utilise internal and committee expertise to offer transparent and independent scientific opinions and decisions.
Interagency Collaboration
ECHA will strengthen its cooperation with EU agencies such as EFSA, EMA, ECDC, and EEA, to collectively promote the One Substance, One Assessment legislation and the One Health Joint Action Plan.
