Chemical assessments covering commonly used products, such as food or toys, will finally be coordinated under EU frameworks to improve consistency and efficiency. On 1 January 2026, a new set of legislation, known as the “One Substance, One Assessment” (OSOA) framework, entered into force, aiming to strengthen environmental and public health protection. Under this framework, the EU will promote the coherence of chemical safety assessments.
This new EU legislation introduces several innovative proposals on chemical data sharing and risk monitoring for public authorities, enabling more informed and timely decision-making. Specifically, the OSOA consists of three legislative acts:
- A Regulation establishing a shared EU data platform for chemical assessments.
- A Regulation redistributing technical responsibilities and strengthening cooperation among EU agencies.
- A Directive transferring specific technical tasks to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
The Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (2020), a key initiative under the European Green Deal’s zero-pollution ambition, had already set the objective of improving the coherence and efficiency of chemical safety assessments across the EU. Building on this strategy, the OSOA legislative package was proposed in December 2023, approved by the European Parliament in April 2025, and formally adopted by the Council of the EU in November 2025, thereby concluding the legislative process.
Given the UN Environment Programme’s forecast of a doubling of global chemical production over the coming decades, the timely adoption of robust regulatory measures is a clear priority for the European Union. As Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Economy, explains: “By streamlining the way chemicals are assessed, we can act earlier and more decisively to protect people’s health and the environment. This new framework will make it easier to access reliable data, strengthen our scientific cooperation, and improve the EU’s ability to anticipate and manage chemical risks.”
In addition to delivering significant benefits for environmental protection and public health through improved chemical data management and enhanced cooperation, the OSOA also reinforces the EU’s internal coherence, a vital pillar for coordinated policymaking that underpins the Union’s capacity to lead in environmental, health, and regulatory standards worldwide.
Sources:
DG-ENV, Regulation (EU) 2025/2455, Regulation (EU) 2025/2457, Directive (EU) 2025/2456, Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Towards a Toxic-Free Environment, Food Packing Forum, Council of the EU, UN Environment Programme
