On 19 December 2025, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2025/2573, introducing updates to the testing methods under the REACH Regulation. The revision aligns chemical testing requirements with recent technological and scientific advancements.
Key Updates
1. Introduction of New OECD Test Guidelines The regulation incorporates six new OECD test methods, covering both human health and environmental endpoints.
· Health (In vitro):
o OECD TG 442D – Skin sensitisation (keratinocyte activation)
o OECD TG 467 – Integrated testing approach for eye damage/irritation
o OECD TG 496 – In vitro macromolecular test for ocular irritation
· Ecotoxicology:
o OECD TG 252 – Estrogenic activity screening (REACTIV)
o OECD TG 253 – Juvenile hormone activity assay in Daphnia
o OECD TG 321 – Bioaccumulation test in Hyalella azteca
2. Updates to Existing OECD Test Methods Seven OECD test guidelines revised in 2024 have been correspondingly updated, including methods related to acute inhalation toxicity, skin sensitisation, eye irritation, and endocrine activity (OECD TGs 403, 442B, 442C, 442E, 492/492B, and 493).
3. Addition of Dustiness Testing Standards for Nanomaterials Four EN 17199 standards have been added to address dustiness endpoints for nanomaterials, covering rotating drum, continuous drop, small drum, and vortex shaker methods.
4. Removal of Obsolete Test Methods Outdated test method descriptions have been deleted, including:
· A.13 – Pyrophoric solids and liquids
· B.2 – Acute inhalation toxicity
· B.70 – Estrogen receptor binding assay
The regulation enters into force on 8 January 2026 and is directly applicable across all EU Member States.
