On December 19, 2025, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2025/2573, which updates the testing methods under the REACH Regulation to reflect technological and scientific progress. The regulation introduces six new OECD Test Guidelines, covering in vitro health-related tests, ecotoxicological methods, and bioaccumulation assessments. It also updates seven existing OECD test methods revised by the OECD in 2024, particularly in the areas of inhalation toxicity, skin sensitisation, eye irritation, and endocrine activity.

In addition, four dustiness test standards applicable to nanomaterials have been added, enhancing the assessment of workplace exposure to inhalable particles. At the same time, several obsolete test method descriptions have been removed, as they have been replaced by updated versions.

The regulation enters into force on January 08, 2026 and is directly applicable in all EU Member States, ensuring harmonised and up-to-date chemical testing requirements across the EU.

Consumer News Tags
Regulation (EU) 2025/2573; Official Journal of the European Union; REACH Regulation testing methods; Annexes VII–XI REACH; In vitro toxicology ; Ecotoxicological testing methods; Bioaccumulation assessment; Inhalation toxicity testing; Skin sensitisation; Endocrine activity testing; Nanomaterials dustiness testing; Workplace exposure assessment