Other

The hazard identification of chemicals is a key step of the “Safe and Sustainable by Design” (SSbD) framework introduced by the European Commission, aiming to eliminate hazardous substances early in innovation. In this context, in silico methods such as (Quantitative) Structure–Activity Relationship ((Q)SAR) models offer rapid, cost-effective, and animalfree alternatives for early-stage hazard screening. The Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) is developing a toolbox to facilitate SSbD assessments containing numerous (Q)SAR models.

Countries globally are mobilising the bioeconomy’s potential for sustainable growth and development through dedicated national and regional bioeconomy strategies. The bioeconomy utilises biological resources and biotechnologies to produce valuable products and services across sectors such as agriculture, health, chemicals, energy, and manufacturing. Its economic value is substantial and expected to grow dramatically.

A variety of chemicals may interfere with the endocrine systems of humans and wildlife. To protect humans and the environment from potential adverse effects, there is interest in identifying such chemicals and classifying the hazard. To evaluate available methods to identify endocrine disrupters under the United Nations Globally Harmonised System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), the OECD convened an expert group to provide input.

This Guidance Document aims to enhance utility and regulatory uptake of research data. The document focuses on hazard, exposure and risk assessment data generated outside of regulatory testing frameworks, promoting harmonised approaches for using scientifically robust, reliable and relevant information for decision-making across jurisdictions and policy areas. The document is structured around the lifecycle of research data, from generation and reporting to identification, evaluation and integration into regulatory assessments.