On 8 May 2026, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updated its “Current Testing Proposals” webpage, inviting third parties to submit scientifically valid information and studies concerning substances undergoing proposed vertebrate hazard testing under the REACH Regulation. The publication provides details of substances, associated hazard endpoints, and deadlines for submitting scientific comments or alternative data to support chemical safety assessments and reduce unnecessary animal testing. According to ECHA, several substances are currently subject to proposed testing for endpoints such as repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, genetic toxicity, bioaccumulation, and long-term aquatic toxicity. For example, 1) 1,2-Diaminotoluene, ethoxylated and propoxylated (EC 701-499-4) has proposed tests for oral repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and developmental toxicity in rats and rabbits, with submission deadlines of 12 June 2026. 2) Sodium metavanadate (EC 237-272-7), Vanadium dioxide (EC 234-841-1), and related vanadium compounds are proposed for reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, with deadlines of 8 May 2026. 3) Asphalt (EC 232-490-9) and petroleum residue substances are proposed for repeated dose oral toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and developmental toxicity testing. 4) Other listed substances include A) Benzoic acid, B) Dodecyl acrylate, C) Dilithium sebacate, D) Triisobutyl phosphate, E) Tall-oil pitch, F) N-tert-butylbenzothiazole-2-sulphenamide, covering aquatic toxicity, developmental toxicity, and in vivo genetic toxicity endpoints. ECHA stated that stakeholders may review individual dossiers, understand the scientific basis for proposed studies, and submit relevant alternative data before the indicated deadlines. The initiative supports transparent chemical risk assessment while promoting the use of scientifically justified alternatives to vertebrate testing within the European Union chemical regulatory framework.
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