The European Commission adopted about 100 new and modified test methods (e.g.; OECD test guidelines) for regulatory safety testing of chemicals under REACH (the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals). No longer is there a requirement of lengthy processes for duplicating and translating test guidelines into all EU official languages. Therefore, REACH will incorporate any approved new test techniques considerably more quickly.

During the past two decades, more than 1 billion EUR have been allocated to supporting over 300 projects to develop a variety of human-relevant non-animal methodologies and tactics under the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programs. REACH mandates that businesses produce, import, and utilize chemicals responsibly. It is necessary to have access to enough knowledge on dangerous compounds to accomplish this goal. In some instances, using experimental animals is still necessary to collect this data. Utilizing currently available non-animal testing techniques, it is not possible to sufficiently determine some dangerous features of substances, such as endocrine disruption. Using only these techniques could lead to an underestimation of chemicals' potential for danger to people and the environment. Sharing data will reduce and ultimately replace the use of animals for testing.

TEST METHODS FOR PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SUBSTANCE

Melting point/freezing point, Boiling point, Density, Vapor pressure, Surface tension, Water, solubility, Partition coefficient n-octanol/water, Dissociation constant, Viscosity, Flash point, Lower and, upper explosion limit, Flammability, Self-ignition temperature (solids), Auto-ignition temperature (liquids, gases), Decomposition temperature, Explosive properties, Oxidizing properties, Pyrophoricity Granulometry/ particle characteristics, pH, Properties of polymers.

TEST METHODS FOR TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage/eye irritation, Skin sensitization, Mutagenicity, Acute toxicity, repeated dose toxicity, Reproductive/developmental toxicity, Toxic kinetics, Carcinogenicity (Developmental) Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disrupting properties

TEST METHODS FOR ECOTOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

Aquatic toxicity, Degradation, Fate and behavior in the environment, Effects on terrestrial organisms, Effects on sediment organisms, Effects on birds, Effects on insects, and Endocrine disrupting properties.

Refer to the document for a better understanding of the changes.

References: Chemical testing: new safety test methods approved (europa.eu)
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-03/C_2023_1099_1_EN_ACT_part1_v3.pdf
C_2023_1099_1_EN_annexe_acte_autonome_part1_v3.pdf (europa.eu)