What is the ECHA database and why is it important for SDSs?

1. What does the ECHA data contain?

2. What is ECHA CHEM?

3. Implementation timeline

4. Why is the ECHA database important for companies?

5. Do you use the ECHA database for your SDSs?

The ECHA chemical substances database is one of the most important tools for chemical risk management and regulatory compliance. Since the REACH Regulation came into force in 2007, ECHA has compiled technical, toxicological, and regulatory information on thousands of substances manufactured or imported into the EU.

Initially, this information was offered through the "Search for Chemicals" portal, a public interface that allowed searching for data on classification, labeling, hazardous properties, and legal requirements.

However, with over 100,000 REACH dossiers accumulated and the need to offer more agile and accurate access, ECHA launched a new platform: ECHA CHEM.

ECHA CHEM, the new generation of the ECHA database, was officially launched in January 2024. This new system represents a structural and technological shift, aiming to improve efficiency and usability for companies that need to consult this information as part of their legal obligations.

What does the ECHA database contain?

Each substance dossier in the ECHA database contains multiple layers of scientific, technical, and legal information, organized into modules that allow structured consultation. Among the most relevant parts are:

1. REACH Dossiers
   These dossiers gather data provided by manufacturers and importers as part of their obligations under the REACH Regulation. They include: 

• Physicochemical properties such as melting point, boiling point, vapor pressure, density, water solubility, and reactivity with other compounds. 

These parameters are essential to understand the behavior of the substance in different environments and usage conditions.

• Human toxicity tests, which cover studies on acute toxicity (oral, dermal, and inhalation), repeated dose toxicity, skin or respiratory sensitization, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and toxicokinetics.
  These data are presented in summary form and include study references, test conditions, and key results.

• Ecotoxicity tests, including short- and long-term aquatic toxicity in fish, daphnia, and algae, toxicity to soil organisms, bioaccumulation, and degradability. These are essential for assessing the environmental impact of the substance.

• Identified uses of the substance throughout its life cycle, from production to disposal, which helps contextualize risk assessment.

All this information is evaluated by ECHA and, when necessary, by the competent authorities of the Member States.

2. Classification and Labeling (CLP)

This section provides the hazard classification elements under the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008). It includes:

• Harmonized classification, when determined by ECHA or Member States.

• Classifications notified by companies, which may vary depending on use and concentration.

Hazard pictograms, H and P phrases, hazard categories, and technical justification for classification are also presented.

You may also be interested in reading: How to properly manage chemical product labels

3. Regulatory Obligations

This section indicates whether a substance is subject to specific measures under the EU legislative framework. It specifies, for example, whether the substance is listed in:

• The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC).

• Annex XIV of substances subject to prior authorization.

• Annex XVII, which imposes restrictions on manufacture, marketing, or use,

• Or other relevant regulations, such as the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), RoHS, PIC, or electronic waste.

What is ECHA CHEM?

The ECHA CHEM database is a renewed public tool that facilitates access to information on chemical substances in the European Union. With its official launch in January 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has initiated a complete transformation of its system, gradually replacing the old "Search for Chemicals" platform.

Key functionalities of the new ECHA CHEM database

With ECHA CHEM, direct data export has been enabled, such as the complete list of registration dossiers, facilitating external analysis and use of the information.
The interface has also been designed with a more modern architecture, intended to allow future digital and technical integrations. Finally, system transparency is enhanced by providing greater clarity on the status of records and their regulatory context.

Changes compared to the old platform
On the other hand, some functionalities of the old platform have been removed. The well-known Brief Profiles will not be replicated, due to the difficulty of maintaining aggregated views in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Instead, ECHA promotes the development of more flexible solutions, such as dynamic and personalized reports that users can build from the available data.

Replacement of Infocards and transition to new views
Likewise, the old Infocards have been replaced by a summary page (Overview) that concentrates all public information on a substance. During the transition period, active links are maintained between the old Infocards and these new views.

Implementation timeline

The implementation of ECHA CHEM will take place in several phases. These are the key dates announced by ECHA:

• 30 January 2024
  The first version of ECHA CHEM is published with REACH registration data. This includes technical information on physicochemical properties, toxicological tests, ecotoxicity, and identified uses for more than 100,000 substances.
  

• 20 May 2025
  The Classification and Labeling inventory is updated. This revised version incorporates improvements in the presentation of harmonized and notified classifications, facilitating their comparison and assessment.
  

• 16 September 2025
  The first set of regulatory processes and obligation lists is incorporated. This includes substance evaluations, inclusion in lists such as Annex XIV, Annex XVII, or the Candidate List for Authorization (SVHC).
  

• Fourth quarter of 2025
  The DWD Intention Notification will be implemented, a formal process to communicate the intention to submit applications under the Drinking Water Directive.

Why is the ECHA database important for companies?

The ECHA database, through ECHA CHEM, is an essential source for preparing safety data sheets, verifying classification and labeling, and ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations in the EU.

Thanks to its modular structure and advanced features, companies can quickly access the information needed for chemical product stewardship.
In addition, it facilitates the preparation of technical documentation, regulatory applications, and risk assessment processes.

Do you use the ECHA database for your SDSs?

If you don’t use the ECHA database to prepare your safety data sheets, no problem. With eQgest you can easily integrate ECHA CHEM information into your processes, automating the preparation of SDSs, labels, and other technical documents in accordance with current regulations.

The software is updated with every regulatory change, ensuring that you always work with accurate and official information.

Discover how eQgest can help you automate your processes and ensure regulatory compliance. Contact one of our consultants and discover everything you can simplify.