Commission strengthens European Chemicals Agency

The European Commission has adopted an amendment to the REACH Fee Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 340/2008). This is a pivotal step towards strengthening the financial sustainability of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

This amendment addresses the challenges arising from reduced and unpredictable fee income following the last registration deadline in 2018 and aligns with the broader strategy to increase the sustainability of ECHA financing. Key elements of the amendment include

• Inflation Adjustment: Fees will now reflect a cumulative inflation increase of 19.5% from 2021 to 2023, restoring the real value of fees in adherence to legal obligations under Article 22(1) of Regulation (EC) No 340/2008. The fees for SMEs will be exempt from these adjustments to maintain their competitiveness.
• SME Verification Process: The amendment transitions the Agency's process to verify the status of SMEs from an ex post to an ex ante system, improving predictability and transparency. A 15-month lead time will facilitate a smooth transition for stakeholders.

These changes align with the Commission's Political Guidelines and the SME Relief Package, ensuring that SMEs continue to thrive without inflation-induced financial burdens. The amendment is part of a series of measures, including a proposal for a regulation on the European Chemicals Agency issued on 8 July 2025, which aims to enhancing ECHA's financing model.