The OECD eChemPortal, a web portal which offers comprehensive information on chemical substances, has been updated to offer better access to chemical classifications according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

The OECD/UNEP Global PFC group has published two new reports to support efforts in the framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) to improve information sharing at a global level on perfluorinated chemistries.

The OECD has published fundamental and guiding principles to facilitate the application of QSAR methods to the risk assessment of chemicals. The main focus is on the critical role of mechanistic consideration in improving various (Q)SAR approaches and possible integrative approaches of combining chemoinformatics and bioinformatics.

This new document focuses on the evaluation of test methods applied to determine the physico-chemical properties of different types of nanomaterials.

This new Advisory Document replaces the 1995 consensus document on the Application of the Principles of GLP to Computerised Systems. It retains all of the key text from the original 1995 document, but includes new text to reflect the current state-of-the art in this field.

German database Information system für gefährliche Stoffe IGS is now linked to eChemPortal. The IGS provides public access to a variety of information on chemical and microbiological substances mostly in German. The focus is on regulatory information reflecting German and European, as well as Swiss, US and selected other legislation and assessments. Beside this, information on substance data and emergency procedures is available.

Participants from 15 countries attended the Workshop on Developmental Neurotoxicity: The use of non-animal test methods for regulatory purposes” on 18 October 2016, in Belgium. The event, co-organised by the OECD and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), focused on opportunities and challenges related to alternative methods for testing and assessing the DNT potential of chemicals.

Results of a joint pilot project of the OECD and the UN Sub-Committee of Exports on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (UNSCEGHS) including a report of the results of the pilot and non-biding proposed classifications for three substances.

GLP issues raised by testing labs are covered in this comprehensive list of questions and answers, recently updated with questions related to: sponsors, Contract Research Organisations (CROs), sub-contractors, archives, Information Technology (IT), Biotechnology/GMOs and other miscellaneous issues

This new council act recommends that Member countries take steps to establish, as appropriate, implement and make publicly available a pollutant release and transfer register (PRTR) system using the principles and information set forth in the OECD Guidance Documents on PRTRs.

The Decision-Recommendation on the Co-operative Investigation and Risk Reduction of Chemicals revises and replaces a 1991 Decision-Recommendation of the Council. The Decision-Recommendation is composed of two parts: Part A focuses on the development of harmonised hazard and exposure assessment methodologies for chemicals and Part B focuses on risk prevention and reduction.

The OECD Conference on Genome Editing: Applications in Agriculture – Implications for Health, Environment and Regulation will explore the regulatory considerations raised by genome edited products, with the aim to favour a coherent policy approach to facilitate innovation involving genome editing. More information on the programme and the speakers.

GIVIMP aims to reduce the uncertainties in cell and tissue-based in vitro method derived predictions by applying good scientific, technical and quality practices from method development to implementation for regulatory use. Test method developers and test guideline users will find best practices for designing guideline in vitro methods, carrying out safety tests and assuring quality and scientific integrity of the resulting data

This guidance document was originally published in 2012 and updated in 2018 to reflect new and updated OECD test guidelines, as well as reflect on scientific advances in the use of test methods and assessment of the endocrine activity of chemicals. The document is intended to provide guidance for evaluating chemical using standardised test guidelines.

Join us for our per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances webinar on Best Environmental Practices (BEP) for Textiles

This paper reviews and compares five case studies on quantification and economic valuation of benefits in cost-benefit analyses (CBAs) of regulating phthalates, mercury, PFOA (perfluoro-octanic acid) and its salts, NMP (1 methyl-2-pyrroloidine) and formaldehyde. The case studies had all been carried out as part of the SACAME project, and the purpose of the present paper is to draw out cross-cutting findings from these studies.

This document aims to assist government and industry assessors involved in the registration of microbial pesticides in the determination of whether microbial pesticides could be associated with known or as yet uncharacterised ‘new’ secondary metabolites. A background document that was also published as Annex to the main document aims to provide clarity on issues and terminology related to microbial secondary metabolites.

This document outlines various approaches and methodologies for the assessment of risks from combined exposures to multiple chemicals. The document draws from approaches and experience in the regulatory context, and presents elements to consider in the assessment.

The OECD releases a video tutorial on how to find GHS information in eChemPortal through the substance search and how to search by GHS classification. Currently 11 databases provide GHS information, independent of whether the classifications have undergone a review by a regulatory body or intergovernmental organisation or are based on self-classifications by the producers or importers.

The first report is a synthesis from a Workshop on Approaches to Support Substitution and Alternatives Assessment, which discussed approaches used to support alternative assessments and substitution. The second report is a Cross Country Analysis of Approaches to Support Alternatives Assessment and Substitution of Chemicals of Concern that describes a list of approaches developed across countries and by different stakeholders.

Today, OECD Council adopted the Recommendation on Countering the Illegal Trade of Pesticides to strengthen cooperation between countries and inspectors and identify illegal pesticides throughout their lifecycle with a Best Practice Guidance.

This report outlines the customisation opportunities for IUCLID version 6. It also gives an overview of what IUCLID offers to regulatory bodies and industry as a key application to record, store, maintain and exchange data on chemicals. IUCLID is used in a variety of countries and regulatory contexts, therefore the report describes to which extent it is customisable to facilitate the management of chemical data across these contexts.

On 11 February 2019, the OECD organised a webinar to learn and discuss new methodologies on liver models for induction, clearance and toxicity. The speakers presented the benefits compared to existing methods in place, the types of chemicals tested, the results obtained, the transferability and economic aspects for routine testing, and any known limitation to the technologies and their applications.

Nanomaterials have unique physical and chemical features. OECD's Decision Framework and Guiding Principles tools fill data gaps in the hazard characterisation by identifying the most useful parameters and best available methods for a given type of nanomaterial.

Policy instruments can be applied to improve the sustainability of plastics, including regulations, market-based instruments, information and voluntary tools. The report reviews the use of these instruments, provides good practice examples, such as product taxes and charges, eco-design standards, extended producer responsibility and environmental product labels, as well as discussing opportunities for their future applications.

The purpose of this document is to give guidance to Receiving Authorities on the evaluation of the GLP compliance status of nonclinical safety studies submitted for regulatory purposes. This guidance does not address the scientific evaluation and interpretation of the submitted data or the risk assessment based on these data.

Latest releases: AOPs are the central element of a toxicological knowledge framework, promoted by member countries through OECD, built to support chemical risk assessment based on mechanistic reasoning. Seven New AOPs have now been published.

On Thursday 26 September 2019, the OECD discussed "Finding Alternatives to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances of Concern: A Difficult and Continuing Challenge" with the participation of W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Presenters shared efforts, successes and challenges in eliminating per and polyfluorinated chemicals of environmental concern from the life cycle of consumer products.

This document is intended to provide universal Guiding Principles that should be considered when developing or augmenting systematic approaches to Weight of Evidence (WoE) for chemical evaluation and Key Elements to formulating a systematic approach to WoE. The ultimate goal is to facilitate that regulators follow a consistent, clear and transparent delivery of evidence using the Principles and Elements described in this document.

The Chemical Safety and Biosafety Progress Report is released every eight months. Its purpose is to provide an update on the projects, events and activities. Information on new publications as well as dates and venues of upcoming events and meetings are given.

CEOs and corporate leaders on the lessons they have already learnt — and what happens next

Participation in the arts has a hugely positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing

The taming of the Tea Party leaves the GOP short on the ideological message the voters like

Obama is seeking to scale back US global responsibilities without signalling a retreat

The defenestration of Cantor sends a message to the cosy world of party bigwigs and donors

The Ecclestone case illustrates that power is migrating away from votes and towards money

It would be wrong for charges against the Texas governor to be allowed through the courts

The conditions of managing this crisis are coming to resemble those at Chernobyl

A new book reveals how the very wealthy are shaping US society more than is commonly realised

From abortion to gay rights, he is unorthodox on Republican ‘values’, writes Christopher Caldwell

How the network upended American politics and news

Donald Trump’s campaign was about sociology not ideology

What cultural impact will the incoming president have? Prepare for a mash-up of Sinatra, sports stars and reality TV

Sadoun: “This is how I work: I go fast, I take risk, I learn, I correct if it’s not good”

The sports marketing and agency boss explains why the City of Angels is ready to play host

How the property dynamo went from a milk round to becoming a self-made billionaire

Can the sports car maker compete with Tesla as it moves into its territory?

Plans to overhaul the insurer, fixing problems and redefining its customer service

Many media companies still maintain a direct relationship with readers — but few still have access to foyers

Use your tax allowances to maximise the returns from your investments