The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its 'Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge' report, calling for targeted scientific research to support regulatory decision-making and align with the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and Competitiveness Compass.

New topics address knowledge gaps in chemical exposure from waste, risks from recycled non-fossil fuel materials, and how to better value environmental impacts under EU chemicals legislation like REACH and the Batteries Regulation.

The report also stresses the need for improved monitoring of chemicals in aquatic environments and materials in contact with drinking water. These insights will support balanced, evidence-based regulation while advancing circularity and innovation in Europe.

The report complements the work of the Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals (PARC), a Horizon Europe initiative in which ECHA ensures scientific outputs are aligned with regulatory needs.