EU JRC Publishes Method to Track Substances of Concern

EU JRC Releases New Methodology to Track Substances of Concern in Products

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published a new technical report introducing a structured methodology for identifying, tracking, and regulating substances of concern (SoCs) in products. The publication supports the implementation of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and strengthens the EU’s approach to chemical safety across product lifecycles.

The report (Publication ID: JRC143683), published on 21 November 2025, is publicly available via the JRC repository and is intended to guide future EU product policy development.

Supporting ESPR Implementation

As ESPR expands sustainability requirements beyond energy efficiency, chemical safety has become a key pillar. The JRC methodology provides a practical framework to help EU preparatory studies and policymakers systematically assess hazardous substances used in products and components.

Objectives of the Methodology

The proposed approach is designed to:

• Identify substances of concern present in products
• Track these substances throughout the entire product lifecycle
• Support the development of restriction and performance requirements
• Reduce the risk of regrettable substitutions when replacing hazardous chemicals

Methodological Elements

The method builds on the Methodology for Ecodesign of Energy-related Products (MEErP) and adapts it to the broader sustainability and circular economy goals of ESPR.

Key elements include:

• Chemical Inventory and Data Collection
  Establishing reliable information on chemical composition at both product and component levels.
• Identification of Substances of Concern (SoCs)
  Screening substances based on hazard profiles, regulatory status, and sustainability relevance.
• Tracking and Impact Assessment
  Evaluating the effects of substances on product performance, environmental impact, and circularity.
• Preparation of Restriction Measures
  Supporting evidence-based decisions on information requirements, use restrictions, and design constraints.

Regulatory Relevance

Under ESPR, product-level chemical transparency and safety are essential sustainability requirements. This JRC methodology provides the technical basis for:

• Developing substance-related Eco-design requirements
• Improving product traceability and transparency
• Aligning chemical regulation with circular economy objectives

Implications for Industry

The publication is particularly relevant for manufacturers, importers, compliance professionals, sustainability teams, and trade associations operating in the EU market.

As the EU moves toward stricter product-level chemical accountability, companies should prepare enhanced data requirements and potential future restrictions affecting product design, material selection, and supply chain management.

Source: JRC Publications Repository