KARC 2026: ECHA Identifies New Research Priorities to Strengthen Chemical Safety
The Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge (KARC) report was originally developed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to support activities under the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), a Horizon Europe programme aimed at advancing chemical risk assessment and strengthening collaboration between scientists and regulatory authorities. The initiative was established with the primary objective of addressing existing gaps in regulatory science and providing scientific evidence to support the implementation and further development of European Union chemicals legislation.
In this context, ECHA has published the June 2026 update of the KARC report, identifying new areas of regulatory scientific research needed to enhance the protection of human health and the environment. The document broadens the scope of action to address global challenges related to pollution and biodiversity loss in a targeted manner, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts while promoting safe innovation and the circular use of materials.
- https://www.isprambiente.gov.it/en/news/karc-2026-echa-identifies-new-research-priorities-to-strengthen-chemical-safety
- KARC 2026: ECHA Identifies New Research Priorities to Strengthen Chemical Safety
- 2026-06-18T00:00:00+02:00
- 2026-06-18T23:59:59+02:00
- The Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge (KARC) report was originally developed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to support activities under the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), a Horizon Europe programme aimed at advancing chemical risk assessment and strengthening collaboration between scientists and regulatory authorities. The initiative was established with the primary objective of addressing existing gaps in regulatory science and providing scientific evidence to support the implementation and further development of European Union chemicals legislation. In this context, ECHA has published the June 2026 update of the KARC report, identifying new areas of regulatory scientific research needed to enhance the protection of human health and the environment. The document broadens the scope of action to address global challenges related to pollution and biodiversity loss in a targeted manner, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts while promoting safe innovation and the circular use of materials.
- When Jun 18, 2026 (Europe/Berlin / UTC200)
- Where Webinar
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The newly identified priority areas for scientific research include:
- Environmental impacts of chemicals at the ecosystem level, aimed at strengthening the link between risk assessment, biodiversity protection, and socio-economic decision-making processes;
- Mobility of persistent substances, through the development of advanced models and methodologies for identifying contaminants capable of widespread dispersion within aquatic systems;
- Biocide resistance, which requires the establishment of harmonised methods to assess associated risks and ensure the long-term effectiveness of biocidal products.
To present these research needs in detail and foster dialogue among researchers and stakeholders, the online webinar “Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge – 2026 Update” will be held on 18 June 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. The event will include a dedicated Q&A session and will explore the significance of these topics in relation to the activities of other European agencies, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Further information: