ECHA programming document 2017-2019.
Date: 2017-03-30
Institutions: European Chemicals Agency
Subjects: European Chemicals Agency, chemical industry, chemical product, environmental risk prevention, industrial research, legislation, regulation (EU), report, research and development, testing

ECHA Programming 
Document 2017 - 2019 

 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

DISCLAIMER 

The views or positions expressed in this Work Programme do not necessarily represent in legal 
terms the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. The European Chemicals Agency 
assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear. 

ECHA Programming Document 2017-2019 

Bratislava, 29 September 2016 
Doc: MB/32/2016 final 

ECHA-17-A-01-EN 

Reference: 
Cat. Number: ED-AS-17-001-EN-N 
978-92-9495-731-3 
ISBN-13:  
2467-4532 
ISSN:   
10.2823/931887 
DoI: 
January 2017 
Publ.date:  
EN 
Language:  

© European Chemicals Agency, 2016 

Cover page © European Chemicals Agency 

Reproduction is authorised provided the source is fully acknowledged in the form  
“Source: European Chemicals Agency, http://echa.europa.eu/”, and provided written notification is given to 
the ECHA Communication Unit (publications@echa.europa.eu). 

If you have questions or comments in relation to this document please send them (quote the reference and 
issue date) using the information request form. The information request form can be accessed via the 
Contact ECHA page at: 
http://echa.europa.eu/about/contact_en.asp 

European Chemicals Agency 

Mailing address: P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland 
Visiting address: Annankatu 18, Helsinki, Finland 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Table of Contents 

Foreword .................................................................................................................... 4 

List of Acronyms ......................................................................................................... 5 

Mission Statement ...................................................................................................... 7 

I GENERAL CONTEXT .................................................................................................. 9 

1.  Introduction ......................................................................................................... 9 

2.  The EU regulatory system for chemical safety ...................................................... 9 

3.  Working with others ........................................................................................... 12 

4.  ECHA’s drivers .................................................................................................... 13 

II MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMMING 2017 - 2019 ....................................................... 15 

1.  Multi-annual objectives ...................................................................................... 15 

2.  Strategic areas of operation ............................................................................... 15 

2.1 

2.2 

High quality information for safe manufacture and use ............................................. 15 

Using information intelligently to identify and address chemicals of concern ............... 21 

2.3 
Addressing scientific challenges by serving as a hub for building the scientific and 
regulatory capacity of Member States, European institutions and other actors ...................... 26 

2.4 
Embracing current and new legislative tasks efficiently and effectively (while adapting to 
upcoming resource constraints) ...................................................................................... 29 

2.5  Workload drivers of ECHA’s regulatory activities ...................................................... 33 

3.  Human and financial resource outlook for 2017-2019 ........................................ 36 

3.1  Overview of the past and current situation. ............................................................ 36 

3.2 

Resource programming for the years 2017-2019 ..................................................... 36 

III WORK PROGRAMME 2017 ................................................................................... 43 

Executive summary .................................................................................................. 43 

1.  Operational activities ......................................................................................... 46 

1.1 REACH dossier management and assessment ............................................................. 46 

1.2 Risk management ................................................................................................... 56 

1.3 Biocides ................................................................................................................. 64 

1.4 PIC ........................................................................................................................ 67 

1.5 Data management and dissemination ........................................................................ 68 

1.6 Delegated tasks ...................................................................................................... 70 

2.  Governance and support activities ...................................................................... 73 

2.1 Management of ECHA bodies and networks ................................................................ 73 

2.2 Management .......................................................................................................... 78 

2.3 Resources .............................................................................................................. 81 

Annexes ................................................................................................................... 88 

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex I: Resource allocation per Activity of the Work Programme 2017 .............................. 89 

Annex II: Human and Financial Resources ....................................................................... 90 

Annex III. Staff population and its evolution ................................................................... 109 

Annex IV:  A. Recruitment policy ................................................................................... 111 

Annex IV:  B. Appraisal of performance and reclassification/promotions ............................. 114 

Annex IV.  C. Mobility policy .......................................................................................... 117 

Annex IV:  D. Gender and geographical balance .............................................................. 118 

Annex IV:  E. Schooling ................................................................................................ 119 

Annex V: Buildings ....................................................................................................... 121 

Annex VI.  Privileges and immunities .............................................................................. 122 

Annex VII. Evaluations ................................................................................................. 124 

Annex VIII. Risks 2017 ................................................................................................. 126 

Annex IX. Procurement plan 2017 .................................................................................. 128 

Annex X. Organisation chart 2017 .................................................................................. 135 

Annex XI. IT resources ................................................................................................. 136 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Foreword  

The purpose of the EU’s chemicals legislation is to ensure the safe use of chemicals throughout 
the supply chain, under the responsibility of industry, contributing to a high level of protection of 
human health and the environment, and to facilitate the free circulation of chemicals within the 
internal market. In addition, the aim is to enhance competitiveness and innovation, and to 
promote alternative methods to animal testing for assessing the hazards of chemicals. The EU 
regulatory system is based upon the principle that manufacturers, importers and downstream 
users (DUs) should make sure that they manufacture, place on the market or use substances that 
do not adversely affect human health or the environment. The provisions are underpinned by the 
precautionary principle. 

ECHA’s mandate covers tasks under four regulations on chemicals: REACH, CLP, Biocidal Products 
and PIC. The successful implementation of these regulations requires a well-functioning Agency, 
capable of delivering independent, high-quality science-based and fit-for-purpose opinions and 
decisions within strict legal deadlines, as well as providing the necessary support to the 
concerned interested parties, including industry, in implementation of these regulations to ensure 
that the operational aspects of the legislation function properly. 

However, the efficient operation of the regulations also depends upon ECHA’s institutional 
partners, in particular the Member States of the EU and the European Commission (hereafter 
referred to as ‘the Commission’) on the one hand, and on industry to implement the regulations 
properly, on the other. In addition, contributions by distributors, retailers and consumers, as well 
as workers and their representatives, are needed. Through the implementation of the above 
legislation, ECHA also contributes towards achieving the targets of the EU’s Seventh Environment 
Action Programme, the EU’s industrial policy and the goals agreed at Johannesburg World Summit 
on sustainable development (WSSD) in 2002. 

ECHA’s first Single Programing Document 2017-2019, which to a large extent is based on ECHA’s 
Multi-Annual Work Programme 2014-2018, comprises the multiannual and annual section (Work 
Programme 2017) and is prepared in connection with the draft budget. It fulfils also ECHA’s 
commitments in line with the Common Approach on EU decentralised agencies on international 
activities. The final ECHA budget and the establishment plan for human resources (HR) will be 
adopted in December 2016 by its Management Board (MB), following the final adoption of the 
general budget of the European Union by the Budgetary Authority (European Council and 
Parliament). Should the total revenue or authorised staff figures differ significantly from the 
current estimates, the Work Programme 2017 will be adjusted accordingly.  

The resource allocation for all activities under the BPR and PIC Regulations as described under 
the relevant sections of the Work Programme 2017 is expressed as one single figure (both for 
human and financial resources), which also includes the relevant Governance and support 
activities. This enables a unified view of resources planned for both Regulations. The Management 
and Resources activities for REACH and CLP Regulations are presented separately with their 
respective indicative resource allocation. 

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

List of Acronyms 

AD 

AST 

BPC 

BPR 

C & L 

CA 

CEOS 

Administrator 

Assistant 

Biocidal Products Committee 

Biocidal Products Regulation 

Classification and Labelling 

Contract Agent 

Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union 

Chesar 

Chemical Safety Assessment and Reporting tool 

CLP 

CMR 

Classification, Labelling and Packaging 

Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic to Reproduction 

CoRAP 

Community Rolling Action Plan 

CSA 

CSR 

DNA 

DU 

EC 

ECHA 

ECM 

ED 

EEA 

EFSA 

EMA 

ENES 

ES 

EU 

EUSES 

Forum 

Chemical Safety Assessment 

Chemical Safety Report 

Designated National Authorities 

Downstream User 

European Commission 

European Chemicals Agency 

Enterprise Content Management 

Endocrine disruptor 

European Economic Area 

European Food Safety Authority 

European Medicines Agency 

Exchange Network on Exposure Scenarios 

Exposure scenario 

European Union 

European Union System for Evaluation of Substances 

Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement  

HelpNet 

Network of national BPR, CLP and REACH helpdesks 

HR 

IPA 

IQMS 

ISO 

ICT 

IR 

IT 

Human Resources 

Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance  

Integrated Quality Management System 

International Organization for Standardization 

Information Communications Technology 

Information Requirements 

Information Technology 

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

IUCLID 

International Uniform Chemical Information Database 

MB 

MFF 

MS 

MSC 

MSCA 

NEA 

NeRSAP 

OECD 

Management Board 

Multiannual financial framework 

Member State 

Member State Committee 

Member State Competent Authority 

National Enforcement Authority 

Network of REACH SEA and Analysis of Alternatives Practitioners 

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development 

Odyssey 

ECHA’s tool to support evaluation tasks 

PBT 

PIC 

POPs 

PPORD 

(Q)SAR 

R4BP 

RAAF 

RAC 

Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic 

Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure 

Persistent Organic Pollutants 

Product and Process Oriented Research and Development 

(Quantitative) Structure-Activity Relationship 

Register for Biocidal Products 

Read-Across Assessment Framework 

Risk Assessment Committee 

REACH 

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals 

REACH-IT 

REACH-IT is the central IT system providing support for REACH 

REF 

RMOA 

SEAC 

SIEF 

SDS 

SME 

SON 

SPC 

SVHC 

TA 

vPvB 

WP 

WSSD 

REACH-Enforcement (project) 

Risk Management Option Analysis 

Socio-Economic Analysis Committee 

Substance Information Exchange Forum 

Safety Data Sheet 

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises 

Security Officers’ Network 

Summary of Product Characteristics 

Substance of Very High Concern 

Temporary Agent 

very persistent and very bioaccumulative 

Work Programme 

World Summit on Sustainable Development 

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Mission Statement  

ECHA’s legal mandate 

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is a European Union (EU) body established on 1 June 2007 
by  Regulation  (EC)  No  1907/2006  of  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council  concerning  the 
“Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)”.  

ECHA was established for the purposes of managing and, in some cases, carrying out the technical, 
scientific  and  administrative  aspects  of  the  REACH  Regulation  and  to  ensure  consistency  of 
implementation of the Regulation at EU level. It was also established to manage tasks related to 
the classification and labelling of chemical substances, which, since 2009, have been governed by 
the  Regulation  on  “Classification,  Labelling  and  Packaging  of  substances  and  mixtures”  (CLP 
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and the Council). 

In  2012,  ECHA’s  mandate  was  expanded  by  Regulation  (EU)  No  528/2012  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the Council concerning the making available on the market and use of biocidal 
products – the “Biocidal Products Regulation”. 

The recast Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 of the European 
Parliament  and  of  the  Council  concerning  the  export  and  import  of  hazardous  chemicals)  also 
entered into force in 2012. Certain tasks related to PIC were transferred from the Joint Research 
Centre of the European Commission to ECHA in 2014. 

These  legislative  acts  are  applicable  in  all  EU  Member  States  (MSs)  without  the  need  for 
transposition into national law. 

ECHA’s Mission 

ECHA is the driving force among regulatory authorities in implementing the EU’s ground-breaking 
chemicals legislation for the benefit of human health and the environment as well as for innovation 
and competitiveness.  

ECHA helps companies to comply with the legislation, advances the safe use of chemicals, provides 
information on chemicals and addresses chemicals of concern. 

ECHA’s Vision 

ECHA aspires to become the world’s leading regulatory authority on the safety of chemicals. 

ECHA’s Values 

Transparent 

We actively involve our regulatory partners and stakeholders in our activities and are transparent 
in our decision-making. We are easy to understand and to approach.  

Independent 

We are independent from all external interests and impartial in our decision-making. We consult 
members of the public openly before taking many of our decisions. 

Trustworthy 

Our  decisions  are  science  based  and  consistent.  Accountability  and  the  security  of  confidential 
information are cornerstones of all our actions. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Efficient 

We are goal-oriented, committed and we always seek to use resources wisely. We apply high quality 
standards and respect deadlines. 

Committed to well-being 

We  stimulate  the  safe  and  sustainable  use  of  chemicals  to  improve  the  quality  of  human  life  in 
Europe and to protect and improve the quality of the environment.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

I GENERAL CONTEXT  

1. Introduction 

The multi-annual period of this Programming Document coincides with the timeframe in which the 
REACH regulatory processes, and with them the European Chemicals Agency, will have reached 
their full maturity. The coming three years will be shaped by intense activities mainly driven by 
the last REACH registration deadline in 2018 when a high number of low tonnage substances will 
need to be registered.  As described below, many of ECHA’s preparatory initiatives will be linked 
to this deadline.  

Within this programming period, ECHA will further contribute to the “World Summit of Sustainable 
Development (WSSD) 2020 goals” in order to honour the commitment of the EU and Member 
States in achieving a “toxic-free” environment. At the same time, the Agency will further 
investigate how to best establish a framework for ensuring that the data collected under REACH is 
broadly used to the benefit of human health and environment, e.g. through extension of its 
expertise, services and data towards other regulatory areas. As an underlying driver, the better 
regulation agenda of the Juncker Commission will be an important source of inspiration and ECHA 
will contribute where relevant. A good example will be the circular economy package adopted by 
the Commission in December 2015. An important highlight in the coming years will also be the 
evaluation of the REACH, CLP and BPR regulations under the REFIT programme of the 
Commission. Here, ECHA will provide its full support in order to ensure a further optimisation of 
this comprehensive chemicals management legislation. 

2. The EU regulatory system for chemical safety 

ECHA operates in a complex environment. Implementing the REACH, CLP, BPR and PIC 
regulations is a shared responsibility with many partners and these regulations are not the only 
pieces of legislation with effects on businesses in the EU. The range of companies impacted 
directly or indirectly by the four regulations managed by ECHA is vast and includes a high number 
of SMEs, which necessitates specific actions and focus by ECHA.  

REACH and CLP 

The purpose of the REACH and CLP Regulations is to ensure a high level of protection of human 
health and the environment as well as the free circulation of substances on the internal market 
while enhancing competitiveness and innovation. REACH is also designed to promote the 
development of alternative methods for assessing the hazards of substances. REACH makes 
industry responsible for assessing and managing the risks posed by chemicals and providing 
appropriate safety information to their users. At the same time, where needed, the European 
Union can take additional regulatory risk management measures on the most hazardous 
substances. 

The core processes that ECHA was set up to manage are the following: 

1. Registration  

Companies are required to document all the information on the substance they 
manufacture or import in a registration dossier and submit it to ECHA. In order to promote 
the harmonised interpretations of data, and reduce registration costs and unnecessary 
testing on animals, registrants of the same substance have to share their data and submit 
their registration jointly. ECHA manages the registration process through its support to 
companies, facilitation of data-sharing and arbitration of data-sharing disputes. ECHA 
verifies the completeness of registration information before assigning a registration 
number  and at each update of the registration dossier. 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

2. Evaluation 

ECHA and the Member States evaluate the information submitted by companies. 
Evaluation under REACH focuses on three different areas: 

•  Examination of testing proposals submitted by registrants – ECHA examines the 

testing proposals and decides whether the tests are necessary or not. 

•  Compliance check of the dossiers submitted by registrants – ECHA verifies whether 

information requirements under the REACH Regulation are met. 

•  Substance evaluation - Member States evaluate substances to clarify whether their 
use poses a risk to human health or the environment. ECHA has a coordinating role 
in the substance evaluation process. 

Once the evaluation is completed, registrants may be required to submit further 
information on the substance. This is done in a form of an ECHA decision, adoption of 
which always involves Member States. 

3. Classification and Labelling 

The CLP Regulation sets the rules for the classification and labelling of chemicals. It aims 
to determine whether a substance or mixture displays properties that lead to a 
classification as hazardous and that the hazards are clearly communicated to workers and 
consumers in the European Union. ECHA manages the process with regard to harmonised 
classifications not only for industrial chemicals, but also for pesticides and biocides. By 
providing opinions of its Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) on the proposals submitted 
by Member States and industry. In addition, it provides information on the classification 
and labelling of all registered and notified substances which can be used by industry, 
workers and the public at large. ECHA also decides on alternative name requests where a 
company wishes to keep the precise name of a substance used in a mixture confidential. 

4. Authorisation 

The authorisation procedure aims to assure that the risks from substances of very high 
concern (SVHCs) are properly controlled and that these substances are progressively 
replaced by suitable alternatives while ensuring the functioning of the EU’s internal 
market. After a two-step regulatory process managed by ECHA, SVHCs may be included in 
the Authorisation List and become subject to authorisation. These substances cannot be 
placed on the market for a use after a given date, unless an authorisation is granted for 
their specific use, or the use is exempted from authorisation. Authorisation applications 
are submitted to ECHA, and after the opinion of the Committees for Socio-economic 
Analysis and Risk Assessment as well as public consultation, the European Commission 
together with the Member States, takes the decision to grant or refuse authorisation. 

5. Restrictions 

Restrictions are designed to manage unacceptable risks to humans or the environment in 
the EU. They limit or ban the manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain 
substances within the EU. A Member State, ECHA on request of the European Commission, 
or ECHA on its own initiative (Art 69(2)), can propose restrictions if they find that there 
are risks that need to be addressed on a Union-wide basis. After receiving the opinions of 
ECHA’s Committees for Socio-economic Analysis and Risk Assessment, the European 
Commission, together with the Member States, takes the final decision. 

In addition, ECHA is required to provide free and easy access to data on substances collected, 
including information on their properties (hazards), classification and labelling, authorised uses 
and risk management measures. The dissemination of information to the general public is 
balanced against the right of companies to protect their confidential business information. 

BPR 

 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) concerns the placing on the market and use of biocidal 
products. These are typically used to protect humans, animals, materials or articles against 
harmful organisms, like pests or bacteria, through the action of the active substances contained 
in the biocidal product. ECHA is not only coordinating the evaluation of active substances and the 
Union wide authorisation of biocidal products but is also the central hub for all national 
applications, establishment of technical equivalence, assessment of applications for alternative 
suppliers, resolution of data sharing disputes, dissemination, preparation of guidance, and 
communication. 

PIC 

The Prior Informed Consent procedure (PIC) Regulation implements the international Rotterdam 
Convention in the EU. It applies to banned or severely restricted chemicals and provides for 
information exchange mechanisms regarding the export outside and import inside the EU of those 
chemicals. ECHA manages the practical functioning of the PIC mechanisms and provides the 
Commission, upon request, with technical and scientific input and assistance. 

COMBINING THE REACH AND CLP PROCESSES INTO AN INTEGRATED REGULATORY 
STRATEGY 

Based on the first years of experience in implementing REACH and CLP regulatory processes, 
ECHA developed an integrated regulatory strategy which coherently brings all the processes 
together to achieve the aims of these Regulations, as well as contributing to meeting the 2020 
goals of the World Summit on Sustainable Development1. 

Together with the Member States, ECHA developed a common screening process, which identifies 
substances that have the greatest potential for adverse impact on human health and the 
environment. The common screening allows a conclusion to be reached on which substances need 
further compliance check and/or substance evaluation and which substances can be directly 
earmarked for EU level risk management measures. 

Under the compliance check process, priority is given to full registrations of chemicals produced in 
volumes over 100 tonnes per year, and with potential concern that may require substance 
evaluation or risk management measures. The main focus is on the higher tier (Annex IX and X) 
human health and environment endpoints which are relevant for identifying CMR (carcinogenic, 
mutagenic and reprotoxic) and PBT/vPvB ((very) persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic) 
substances. 

If the concern is confirmed in the evaluation, a risk management option analysis (RMOA) process 
will usually follow, firstly to confirm if risk management processes need to be initiated, and 
secondly, to check which process is the most suitable. The process can also lead the conclusion 
that a substance is currently of no, or low concern. 

ECHA’s ambition is by the end of 2018, to gradually map the ‘universe of registered substances’ 
above 100 tonnes through a number of actions. These actions are intended to reduce the pool of 
substances of potential concern and conclude for as many substances as possible the need for 
specific action or that they are currently of low priority for further work. 

The work is carried out in collaboration with industry sectors, and companies can proactively 
contribute by updating their dossiers when informed of the results of the common screening and 
by providing better use and exposure information. This level of coordination will also be 
instrumental in making sure that all relevant currently known SVHCs are on the Candidate List by 
2020 with the best risk management options identified as provided by the SVHC Roadmap. 

1  Outcome 

Summit 
http://www.unesco.org/education/tlsf/mods/ theme_a/img/02_WSSDOutcomes.pdf  

Sustainable 

World 

the 

Development, 

on 

of 

Johannesburg 

2002: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

In summary, the integrated strategy ultimately aims to achieve the following impact: 

-  provide confidence amongst stakeholders and the public that registrants meet REACH 
information requirements, followed up by improved communication on safe use in the supply 
chain; 

-  efficiently select substances that raise potential concern, generating the necessary information 
for assessing their safety through evaluation processes or other means and, where concerns are 
confirmed, identify the most suitable regulatory instrument through the risk management option 
analysis (RMOA); 

-  ensure appropriate and timely intervention from all actors (ECHA, Member States, industry and 
the European Commission) within the different REACH and CLP processes so that chemicals of 
concern are addressed as soon as possible through the regulatory risk management measures. 

3. Working with others  

The successful implementation of the REACH, CLP, BPR and PIC Regulations requires the 
collaboration of many players. It depends on companies, ECHA’s institutional partners at EU level, 
the Member States, and key stakeholders playing their parts.  

EU Partners (EU institutions, other EU agencies) and Member States 

The EU chemicals legislation assigns shared responsibility for its implementation. The Member 
States (in the form of competent authorities and enforcement authorities – which may or may not 
be the same) and the European Commission are ECHA’s primary regulatory partners.  

At EU level, ECHA has exchanges with a number of related Agencies and European Commission 
services. These include EFSA and EMA – with whom a close cooperation exists on science-based 
opinion making in order to ensure consistent decision-making.  

Member States play pivotal roles in decision-making and also carry the primary responsibility for 
the enforcement of the law. The resources made available for REACH, CLP, Biocides and PIC 
responsibilities in Member States have a direct impact on the progress that can be made at EU 
level on each of the regulations and therefore on their ultimate success. Effective, proportionate 
enforcement and dissuasive sanctions for non-compliance will need to provide the ultimate back-
stop for the implementation of the EU chemicals safety regime and of ECHA’s regulatory 
decisions.  

Duty holders 

Chemicals legislation places many duties on companies. Risk assessment, the safe use of 
substances, classification and labelling and communication down the supply chain are the 
responsibility of individual companies. ECHA’s support to the industry aims to ensure that the 
companies understand how to comply with the legislation.  

Accredited stakeholder organisations (ASOs) and scientific communities 

ECHA also collaborates with many stakeholder organisations, in particular with organisations 
representing industry, NGOs, civil society and trade unions. Their involvement in ECHA’s work 
provides transparency, engagement, mutual understanding and valuable input into the regulatory 
decision-making – for example through their participation as observers in ECHA’s Committees. In 
addition, ECHA is closely following the recent developments in science and technology and 
maintains an active interface for the scientific community and academia. Technological 
developments like nanotechnology for example have raced ahead, and regulatory science has to 
respond to ensure that the potential risks of substances with nanoforms can be adequately 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

assessed. ECHA in turn takes account of these scientific developments in making judgements 
about the adequacy of the information provided in dossiers. 

By the same token, developments in assessing the properties of substances by using alternative 
test methods to animal testing and prediction techniques such as read-across and computational 
methods also have a significant impact on the scientific justifications provided by companies and 
ECHA’s examination of these. Furthermore, within these scientific communities, ECHA provides 
training for young professionals seeking to work in regulatory science.  

The worldwide scene 

Whilst the EU has the most ambitious chemicals legislation in the world, it is nevertheless not 
alone in seeking to reduce risk and have chemicals used more safely. ECHA shares experience 
with an increasing number of countries, including both authorities and industry, adopting 
chemicals safety legislation akin to REACH. The Agency will also encourage data owners to share 
data across different regulatory areas. 

ECHA continues to work with international organisations, in particular with the OECD, on activities 
of mutual interest. It is greatly to the advantage of both regulators and companies in terms of 
competition and innovation that the legislative regimes in place throughout the world have 
common building blocks. ECHA also continues to work with regulatory authorities of countries 
with whom it has cooperation agreements – Australia, Canada, Japan, and the USA – to share 
best practice, exchange information and to learn. The Agency continues to support EU policies in 
its dealings with the outside world, such as with EU candidate or neighbourhood policy countries, 
as well as to support the European Commission in representing the EU in multilateral arena on 
chemical safety, in particular the UN Globally Harmonised System of classification and labelling 
and Rotterdam Convention, as well as SAICM2.  

4. ECHA’s drivers 

ECHA’s work will be driven by many ambitions and regulatory obligations during the period 2017-
2019. One of the most important drivers will be the successful completion of the phase-in period 
for registering substances under REACH and to manage the last registration deadline in 2018. 
Therefore, the Agency will reinforce its supporting activities in particular raising SMEs’ awareness 
of the REACH obligations and helping SMEs in taking up their regulatory responsibilities by 
building on numerous information products and novel IT tools rolled out already in 2016. The 
main challenge for the Agency is to promulgate this support as widely as possible, also including 
reaching companies that are not fully aware of their obligations as manufacturers or importers of 
substances or as downstream users. In addition, ECHA will keep exerting its powers to raise the 
level of quality of the REACH registration dossiers via a revised completeness check process and 
the implementation of its compliance check strategy. At the same time the growth of the already 
extensive information on the properties of chemicals will intensify dissemination and data 
screening/analysis work.  

While gaining more experience in identifying substances of concern, ECHA will step up its actions 
towards identifying relevant substances of very high concern (SVHCs) as part of the 2020 
roadmap. As a result, REACH as well as BPR authorisations will provide for a continuous workload 
that will also be reflected in challenges to provide advice and assistance, which will evolve 
according to regulatory peak activities. In order to address the relevant substances of concern 
ECHA will focus on integrating the various REACH processes to ensure that ultimately human and 
environmental health are safeguarded from potential adverse impacts of chemical substances. In 
a similar manner, ECHA’s communications will expand beyond specialised audiences to address 

2 Adopted by the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) on 6 February 2006 in Dubai, United Arab 
Emirates, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy framework to foster the 
sound management of chemicals. 

 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

the general public, consumers and end users while the work on the  harmonised enforcement of 
the chemical regulations can be expected to intensify.  

Within this programming period, ECHA will further contribute significantly to the EU commitment 
in relation to the “World Summit of Sustainable Development (WSSD) 2020” goals. Indeed, in 
2002, the European Union and its Member States, made a commitment to the sound 
management of chemicals throughout their life cycle, “aiming to achieve, by 2020, that chemicals 
are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on 
human health and the environment.” Achieving this “WSSD 2020 goal” will be an important 
driving force for the Agency when implementing its chemical regulations. 

Looking ahead and beyond 2020, and keeping in mind the developments and goals established 
under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 3, ECHA will further investigate how to best 
establish a framework for ensuring that the data collected under REACH is broadly used to the 
benefit of human health and environment, e.g. through extension of the dissemination activities 
or data delivery and through providing further support to companies in substituting hazardous 
substances with safer alternatives. The driving force behind this framework will undoubtedly be 
the further optimisation of efforts and investments made by all stakeholders in demonstrating the 
safe use of chemicals. Further integrating the wealth of information on chemicals and their uses, 
towards other legislative domains in the EU will definitely strengthen and optimise the chemicals 
regulatory landscape. These initiatives need also to be seen in the context of Commissioner 
Juncker’s Agenda for Jobs, Growth, Fairness and Democratic Change where a strong emphasis is 
put on the right regulatory environment. Chemicals also play an important role in the action plan 
for circular economy, especially concerning substances in articles. ECHA will contribute where 
relevant to ensure that the ambitious targets of this package can be realised. Within the same 
context, ECHA will pay high attention to REACH’s parallel aims, namely to increase innovation and 
competitiveness within the EU's chemical sector and to ensure a level playing field in the EU and 
EEA.  

Furthermore, within the next programming period, the European Commission will assess the 5-
years operation of REACH and publish its findings in 2017, building upon ECHA’s own 5-year 
report on REACH and CLP implementation, published in May 2016. Within this context, the REACH 
regulation and the bundle of other EU legislation on chemicals will undergo an evaluation as part 
of the Regulatory Fitness and Performance (REFIT) programme. This will be followed by the 
Commission’s review of the REACH legislation with a parallel assessment of the performance of 
ECHA. 

In the years to come ECHA will also be taking on new regulatory tasks. The Agency will for 
instance provide tools, guidance and support to notifiers of information relating to emergency 
health response to the national poison centres who face a first deadline in 2020 Furthermore, it is 
expected that the Commission will, in the near future, request ECHA to support the 
implementation of the Regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). In addition, ECHA will 
also anticipate and prepare for its future beyond the 2020 horizon. Focussing on its core 
strengths (Regulatory expertise, Good governance, IT and chemical information intelligence), it 
will ensure it can deliver “value for money” service to more harmonised and fit-for-purpose 
regulatory tasks. 

These drivers, together with ECHA’s experience gained thus far, are reflected in the four strategic 
objectives as described in the following section. At the same time, ECHA has started a process 
together with its Management Board to define a new strategic plan for years 2019-2023. 

3 Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 25 September 2015 describing 17 Global Goals. The specific 
targets for chemicals management foresee by 2030  
- to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and 
contamination; 
- to improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and 
materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally; 
- to achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance 
with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their 
adverse impacts on human health and the environment. 

 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

II MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMMING 2017 - 2019 

1. Multi-annual objectives  

ECHA will pursue the following four strategic objectives as described below. Progress in achieving 
each of these objectives is monitored via indicators and targets.  

Strategic objective 

Indicator 

Target 

Maximising the availability 
of high quality information 
to enable the safe 
manufacture and use of 
chemicals 

Mobilising authorities to use 
information intelligently to 
identify and address 
chemicals of concern 

Addressing scientific 
challenges by serving as a 
hub for building the 
scientific and regulatory 
capacity of Member States, 
European institutions and 
other actors 

Embracing current and new 
legislative tasks efficiently 
and effectively, while 
adapting to upcoming 
resource constraints 

Measurable increase in the availability 
and quality of information on safe 
manufacture and use of chemicals -
specific indicator under development4 

Continuous positive 
trend 

Chemicals of concern are successfully 
identified and addressed proficiently 
through adequate regulatory risk 
management measures with an 
increased number of Member States 
authorities involved    

Progress made on scientific and 
technical aspects of regulatory 
challenges in collaboration with 
partners and stakeholders 

Continuous positive 
trend 

Tangible and significant 
outcome generated in a 
form of scientific 
capacity, key-events, 
reports, guidance and 
advice by 2020 

Decisions equivalent (No. of weighted 
decisions/opinions divided by the 
maximum annual staff capacity) 

Steady increase at a 
minimum level of 2% 
year to year 

2. Strategic areas of operation 

2.1  High quality information for safe manufacture and use 

REACH shifted the responsibility for establishing the safe use of chemicals to companies 
manufacturing and importing them. The information they provide needs to be compliant with the 
REACH information requirements, and fit-for purpose, in other words, scientifically sound, 
understandable and reliable. Currently the quality of the information provided by the companies 
shows serious shortcomings and thus clear opportunities for improvement. The deficiencies relate 
to their compliance with the legal requirements and/or how the hazard, exposure and use 
information is converted in a transparent way into adequate and reliable conditions of safe use. 
Also under the BPR, good quality data is a success factor as it facilitates the evaluation carried 

4 Until  2016  the  achievement  of  this  strategic  objective  was  monitored  using  an  aggregated  indicator  focusing  on  data 
provided with respect to substance identity, uses as intermediates, hazards and classification. With the new ‘Regulatory 
strategy’ and changes introduced by IUCLID 6 the previous methodology and algorithms to quantify data availability 
and quality are no longer appropriate and hence have to be redeveloped for future use.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

out by authorities, thus promoting the safe use and reliability of publicly disseminated data. 
Achieving good quality data on the intrinsic properties of chemicals and their use is an important 
contribution for the EU as a whole in achieving the WSSD 2020 goals. For this purpose, relevant 
hazard and use data are key fundamentals in managing chemicals in an appropriate way. 

ECHA plays a central role in increasing the reliability of its public database on chemicals and has 
a mandate to issue legally binding decisions on chemical companies to provide information to 
redress deficiencies in registration dossiers relating to compliance with the legal requirements. 
The challenge for ECHA during the coming period is to keep inducing improvements in the quality 
of this information so that it effectively enables the safe manufacture and use of chemicals. ECHA 
will inform Member States of any concerns of companies in their territory and will continue to 
support the coordination of enforcement across the EU/EEA through the work of the Forum.  

The Agency provides advice and assistance to duty holders via guidance and helpdesk. Emphasis 
for these support activities will be given to SMEs and less experienced actors. ECHA’s website as 
well as its social media campaigns are the core vehicles to inform a variety of relevant audiences 
with specific support to fulfil their legal obligations. Within the multi-annual timeframe, ECHA’s 
communications will increasingly address the relevant audiences including downstream to end 
users, the general public and consumers. ECHA will further facilitate and stimulate the 
communication on safe use of chemicals as well as the more detailed information via ECHA’s Info 
Cards and other relevant dissemination tools.  

As part of anticipating future strategic actions under this objective, ECHA will explore how the 
current wealth of information on chemical hazards, properties and uses can be best employed to 
support other regulatory applications. Exploratory work as well as feasibilities studies are 
anticipated in order to explore and assess the benefits, added-value and opportunities of ECHA’s 
unique databases for dedicated areas related to chemicals management.  

Overall this strategic objective will be achieved via the following areas of operation:  

1.  Improving the quality of information in dossiers; 

2.  Maximising the impact of the communication of risk management advice in the supply 

chain; and 

3.  Improving the dissemination of information. 

2.1.1 Improving the quality of information in dossiers  

Preparation of dossiers 

ECHA will further strengthen its efforts, in collaboration with its stakeholders, to support 
companies to meet their needs for submitting good quality dossiers towards the 2018 REACH 
registration deadline. This is to prevent, to the extent possible, compliance shortcomings that 
were found in dossiers submitted for the two previous registration deadlines and now require a lot 
of effort and time to bring the dossiers up to the required compliance. This will trigger a peak of 
enquiries reaching both ECHA and the national helpdesks. ECHA will support the national 
helpdesks via HelpNet and reinforce its training of the national helpdesks to further develop and 
increase their capacity to provide advice, and will continue to clarify the supporting documents 
and improve their accessibility. After the 2018 registration deadline, the level of advice and 
assistance needed will remain relatively high, with the focus shifting to proactive advice on 
dossier quality.  

During 2017, ECHA will publish the remaining updates of the guidance on Information 
Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment, in support of the 2018 registration deadline. 
Similarly, new guidance will continue to be developed addressing where appropriate changes in 
the regulations for which ECHA is in charge, for instance on information requirements for 
nanomaterials, including exposure assessment, as well as new or updated guidance on alternative 
methods and on substance identification.  

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

In 2017, ECHA intends to further facilitate SMEs in fulfilling their obligations. The accessibility and 
sustainability of the ECHA IT services for registration will be enhanced by launching an online 
secure service called ECHA Cloud Services for SMEs. The Cloud Services will be offered free of 
charge to SMEs only; through stepwise implementation it will offer to SMEs the functionalities 
needed for preparation of a registration dossier. This service will undergo an ex-post evaluation in 
2019; in that context the future roadmap for the IUCLID tool and the Cloud Services model will 
be subject to a reflection for a possible convergence. In addition, ECHA will continue to support 
the OECD in the promotion of IUCLID as an international tool. This is particularly relevant for 
enabling better data exchange and sharing data analysis methods and experience across 
regulatory bodies worldwide, hereby increasing the efficiency of all parties, companies submitting 
data and authorities.   

ECHA will also support industry in fulfilling their obligations under the CLP Regulation and 
stimulate relevant updates within the Classification and Labelling Inventory. Also for the Biocidal 
Products Regulation, the Agency will keep developing and improving its guidance documents, 
submission IT tools and manuals for the submission of biocidal dossiers and support the many 
SMEs that operate in this sector.   

Submission of dossiers  

The quality of dossiers is also tackled at the point of submission of dossiers. In its preparations 
for the 2018 registration deadline, ECHA will have made its IT systems through which registration 
processes are initiated (e.g. REACH-IT) more user-friendly, allowing a more flexible interface and 
communication channel with registrants.  

The completeness check that ECHA performs is an important step in enforcing conformity of the 
registrations. In addition to the revised automated completeness check, ECHA will verify manually 
the completeness of certain data elements, in particular the identification of the substance and 
justifications for deviating from standard information requirements. This work is expected to 
reach a major peak in 2018, but will remain at a high level post 2018 to also address the updated 
dossiers. In addition, further to the clarification brought by the Board of Appeal decision5, similar 
verifications will be done retroactively on dossiers in the database that are not updated, verifying 
also that the registrants registered jointly for the same substance. Registrations that are not 
completed within the deadline will be revoked. These enhancements of the completeness check 
are expected to have an important positive impact on the quality of the information. To help 
registrants, ECHA will continue to maintain its Validation Assistant tool that enables companies to 
verify that frequently occurring shortcomings are appropriately addressed.  

Post submission, ECHA will continue to screen and analyse the registration information for 
different regulatory purposes. The selection and priority setting will need to be adapted to the 
information available for substances registered in low tonnages so that the prioritisation work can 
start swiftly in 2019. Where relevant, targeted campaigns (for example to specific sectors) will 
continue to be used to stimulate dossier updates for substances that are short-listed for dossier 
evaluation or present clear deficiencies. Substances registered for intermediate use only will 
continue to be screened systematically. These data analysis and screening activities are expected 
to grow post 2018 as the volume of information contained in ECHA databases will have 
significantly increased.  

Evaluation of dossiers  

Evaluating the content of dossiers is the main way in which ECHA can ensure that information 
gaps are filled and provide confidence in the compliance of registrations with the legal 
requirements. The resulting decisions requesting further information will significantly contribute 
to the improvement of the overall information quality.  

5 BoA decision of 15 March 2016 relating to case number A-022-2013: http://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13575/a-

022-2013_decision_en.pdf 

 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

ECHA will continue to examine the compliance of dossiers - based on a selection using concern-
based criteria as established in the compliance check strategy and target selected elements in the 
dossiers that are particularly important for the safe use of a substance. 6 This concern-driven 
approach will further increase the proportion of examinations of high volume chemicals far above 
the regulatory minimum of five percent of dossiers per tonnage band.  

The Agency will be using increasingly sophisticated scientific IT tools to systematically screen all 
higher tier hazard endpoints in the registration dossiers in order to implement its concern-driven 
compliance check strategy. Ultimately, the outcome of this strategy will ensure that the intrinsic 
properties of substances that matter have been adequately documented.  ECHA will continue to 
inform and engage with both the Member State competent authorities and the Member State 
Committee on a regular basis so that the evaluation decision-making will work in the best 
possible way. Dossier evaluation will not hesitate to address scientifically challenging issues, 
including evaluation of dossiers on substances in nanoforms.     

In addition to issuing formal and legally binding decisions, ECHA wants companies to update and 
improve their dossier quality proactively. To this end, ECHA will communicate actively dossier 
evaluation findings for example via its annual Evaluation report (Art 54 of REACH).   

ECHA will assess registrants’ updates after an evaluation decision as quickly as possible after the 
deadline set in the decision. ECHA will notify the Commission and the Member States of the 
information obtained and on its conclusions regarding the need for any risk management 
measures and communicate promptly with the national authorities in order to ensure maximum 
efficiency in enforcing decisions. Ultimately, ECHA will consider declaring a registration invalid if 
compliance with REACH information requirements  cannot otherwise be implemented.  

ECHA will also share experiences from REACH dossier evaluation processes with the national 
authorities and the Biocidal Products Committee when analysing alternative options for more 
speedy processing of active substances and biocidal products.  

Strategic action area 1.1 Improving quality of information in dossiers 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Preparation of 
dossiers 

Communication activities to reach out to 
companies who are unaware of their 
responsibilities, or are inexperienced in REACH. 

Cloud services are delivered to 
SMEs  

Training (update) of national helpdesk 
correspondents on dossier preparation 

Webinars and workshops for 2018 registrants 

Third Article 117(3) report published 

Launch of ECHA Cloud Services for SMEs. 

Adaptation of the inquiry process following 
closure of the pre-registration possibility 

Submission of 
dossiers 

Outreach campaign in preparation of the 2018 
deadline 

Successful management of the 
2018 registration deadline 

REACH-IT: Further simplified online functions for 
submitting dossiers (DCM)  

Annual letter campaign on short-
listed priority substances. 

Annual letter campaign on short-listed priority 
substances.  

First experiences with the retroactive check of 
the completeness of the registrations over 100 
tonnes analysed and work initiated for checking 

QSAR Toolbox enhanced version 
published, extending its 
applicability to other types of 
substances (e.g. inorganics and 
nanomaterials) and higher-tier 
endpoints.  

ECHA Cloud Services undergoes 
an ex-post evaluation and a 
roadmap for the service and the 
IUCLID tool is defined  

Priority setting methods adapted 
to information available for 
substances registered in low 
tonnages, especially 1-10 tonnes 

Systematic screening of 1-10 tn 
and 10-100 tn dossiers initiated 
to support priority setting for 
evaluation. 

Manifestly incomplete dossiers 
for the key human health and 

6 Where  relevant  ECHA  will  also  verify  reliability  and  integrity  of  toxicological  and  ecotoxicological  data  in  line  with  the 

principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Strategic action area 1.1 Improving quality of information in dossiers 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

all dossiers for the key human health and 
environment endpoints 

Retroactively address multiple registrations for 
the same substance 

Training (update) of national helpdesk 
correspondents on dossier submission 

First experiences of sector pilot approaches that 
started in 2016 analysed and work with next 
sectors initiated. 

Evaluation of 
dossiers 

At least 100 priority substances of concern 
addressed under CCH, in accordance with the 
set priorities. 

Testing proposals re-submitted in 2016 on 
reproduction toxicity concluded (DDs issued).  

Review of the CCH strategy and priorities. 

environment endpoints 
addressed 

At least 100 priority substances 
of concern addressed under 
complementary measures or 
CCH, in accordance with the 
priorities set in the CCH plan 
2019-2020. 

At least 100 priority substances of 
concern addressed under 
complementary measures or CCH, 
in accordance with the refined 
priorities set in 2017. 

More than 10% of the priority 
substances (over 100 tn) checked 
for compliance for the key human 
health and environment 
endpoints 7. 

Plan for compliance checks 2019-
2020 established. 

2.1.2 Maximising the impact of the communication of risk management 

advice in the supply chain   

The focus of ECHA’s action will be on measures to help registrants and downstream users to 
improve the communication of risk management advice throughout the supply chain – all the way 
down to the articles produced for workers and consumers. This will include dialogues between 
ECHA and sector organisations and further actions to stimulate a demand for good quality 
information on safe use in the market.   

Exposure scenarios and safety data sheets 

It is essential that the exposure scenarios included in the chemical safety reports (CSR) are 
transferred into good quality exposure scenarios for communication in Safety Data Sheets 
(SDSs). Downstream end-users of substances (and mixtures) should receive information relevant 
to them in a more consistent and useable form. Therefore, as part of the CSR/ES Roadmap 
(updated in 2016) ECHA will keep supporting registrants and downstream users to adopt the 
methods, tools and standardised formats developed under the roadmap. ECHA will also continue 
to promote the development of use-map tools and information for downstream user sector 
organisations, and their uptake by REACH registrants. Given the important role of mixtures in the 
supply chain, special attention will be paid to the implementation of a scientifically sound 
methodology for converting exposure scenarios for substances into information on the safe use of 
mixtures that can be easily understood.  

Based on an evaluation of the CSR/ES Roadmap conducted in 2016, ECHA will further stimulate 
and broaden the information exchange system with specific focus on downstream industry 
(including article producers). Ultimately these downstream users will experience the benefits of 
the information exchange for their risk management measures (i.e. related to product safety and 
site-specific measures) and their regulatory obligations towards other chemicals-related 
legislations. ECHA will also continue to work to promote the communication and sharing of 

7 Reflects the aim to conclude, by the end of 2018, at least 420 CCH on the priority endpoints of the ca. 4200 substances 
with standard registration requirements in >100 tpa tonnage bands 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

information among industry and between industry and authorities on the effective implementation 
of exposure scenarios as a novel communication vehicle (e.g. via the ENES8 platform or the 
downstream users communication campaign). Discussions with the enforcement authorities will 
take place to address specific sectors where problems with the implementation of the exposure 
scenario concepts have been identified (e.g. in the context of the REF-5 project focusing on 
extended safety data sheets).  

Substances in articles 

Article producers can benefit from the information generated for REACH to comply with other 
legal requirements (e.g. the construction product directive or the toys directive). ECHA will 
examine, together with the Commission, national authorities and sector organisations, ways in 
which the practical implementation of these legal requirements can be brought together. ECHA 
will raise the awareness of article importers on the potential risks of substances in articles, on the 
existing restrictions and on the communication and notification obligations on the Candidate List 
substances. Specific work with sector organisations will help article importers to identify the 
substances present in their articles. Finally, ECHA will explore ways of improving the overall 
knowledge on the presence of and risks related to substances in articles and how this knowledge 
can be made available to the relevant actors, including the general public. The involvement of 
enforcement authorities as well as the customs authorities is crucial in order to assure that 
substances in imported articles fulfil the REACH requirements. To enhance this, the Forum will 
start a pilot project on substances in articles in 2017. 

The BPR contains new and extensive requirements for treated articles. According to the 
regulation, articles can only be treated with biocidal products containing active substances 
approved in the EU. There is also a new requirement concerning the labelling of treated articles. 
The implementation of these provisions needs to be supported by regulatory advice, guidance and 
awareness raising activities in cooperation with the Commission and the Member States. 

Strategic action area 1.2 - Maximising the impact of communication of risk management advice in 
the supply chain 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Exposure 
scenarios and 
safety data 
sheets 

Substances in 
articles 

Based on the evaluation of CSR/ES Roadmap 
in 2016 adapt the outreach activities to 
downstream users in key sectors and prepare 
the next stage the CSR/ES Roadmap 

Perform activities in line with the 
2016 review of the CSR/ES 
Roadmap 

Perform activities in line with the 
2016 review of the CSR/ES 
Roadmap 

Review of the SiA  notification support tools, 
including information on SVHCs in materials  

Forum pilot project focusing on 
substances of concern in articles 

Outreach activities to importers and 
manufacturers in key sectors 

Implement enforcement pilot project on 
substances in articles. 

2.1.3 Improving the dissemination of information  

Dissemination of substance information  

Transparency provides an important incentive for companies to provide reliable, scientifically 
sound and understandable data that will uphold their reputation of being compliant with the EU 
chemicals safety regime. Industry and civil society themselves can scrutinise the information and 

8 Exchange Network on Exposure Scenarios: http://echa.europa.eu/about-us/exchange-network-on-exposure-scenarios  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
21 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

draw attention to any incoherence or inadequacies. ECHA is committed to making the best use of 
the unique data generated by companies in response to the EU chemicals legislation.  

ECHA publishes and updates information on all registered substances and notified substances to 
the classification and labelling inventory on its website. This information is complemented by 
other types of data resulting from ECHA’s regulatory activities, such as the Community Rolling 
Action Plan, the Candidate List of substances of very high concern, the list of authorisations and 
restrictions. To give predictability to registrants, the Agency maintains on its website the Public 
Activities Coordination Tool (PACT) that provides advance notice of the substances that are on an 
authority's radar for exploring the potential need for regulatory risk management.  

The focus in 2018-2019 will be on publishing the information from the 2018 registration deadline, 
including the assessment of confidentiality requests. This goes a long way to fulfilling one 
objective of REACH, namely granting EU citizens “free and easy access to basic data on 
chemicals” in order to “allow them to make informed decisions about their uses of chemicals”. As 
this information is scientific and technical in nature, ECHA has revamped its dissemination 
platform in 2016 to make it more easily accessible for wider audiences. ECHA will further strive to 
integrate the information on substances arising from different legislations and regulatory 
processes (e.g. informing on ongoing dossier evaluation running on specific substances) so that 
users can easily obtain an overview of the available data for that substance.  

ECHA anticipates that dissemination activities, data delivery in general and synchronisation with 
external services and sources will increase over the planning period with many demands arising 
from authorities, third parties and from companies themselves. In this context, ECHA will prepare 
in 2018 and 2019 the provision of registration data for registration purposes as the data 
protection starts gradually expiring from 2020 onwards.   

Over the years, ECHA’s website has become a focal point for information on chemical properties 
as well as a major hub demonstrating how they are regulated under the Agency’s four main 
legislations. ECHA will further expand this central data management and dissemination role by 
exploring integration and synergies to other EU legislations in the period post 2018. The ultimate 
aim is to increase consistency and transparency in chemicals management, hereby increasing the 
safe handling of chemicals. For this purpose ECHA will conduct, in cooperation with the European 
Commission, a feasibility study in 2016-2017 to assess whether further services can be developed 
leveraging the data management and dissemination capabilities of ECHA. 

Strategic action area 1.3 – Improving the dissemination information 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Dissemination 
of substance 
information 

Feasibility study on extending the dissemination 
website with an “EU chemicals legislation 
finder”, i.e. giving overview on how a substance 
is regulated at EU level 

Explore the possibilities of linking with websites 
providing information on products – or 
incentivise the production of a new site  - to 
maximise the use of ECHA’s data for citizens 

Dossiers from 2018 
registration deadline published 
and linked to eChemportal for 
maximising public availability 
of information on chemicals  

Pending the outcome of the 
feasibility study on the “EU 
chemicals legislation finder”, 
gradual extension of the 
Dissemination website  

2.2  Using information intelligently to identify and address chemicals 

of concern 

Under REACH and CLP, it is the individual Member States and the Commission who have the right 
to initiate regulatory risk management. Jointly, authorities need to use REACH and CLP 
information to target regulatory action as early as possible on priority substances and uses that 
cause the highest potential risks. Those concerns need to be addressed by well-informed 
decisions on regulatory measures that are proportionate and effective in reducing the risk. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
22 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Achieving a common view amongst authorities on how to select the best regulatory instrument 
and to use this in an effective manner will be a prerequisite to reach this objective.  

By focusing on identifying new substances for risk management and including such substances on 
the Candidate and Authorisation lists or potential candidates for restriction, ECHA will be 
contributing significantly to the promotion of the substitution of the most dangerous substances 
in the EU. Via the common screening approach, ECHA will keep involving Member States in 
identifying the substances of potential concern that deserve dossier or substance evaluation to 
clarify the concern and relevant regulatory action after a risk management option analysis.  

The Biocidal Products Regulation is based on the principle that active substances are approved at 
EU level and biocidal products are authorised either at EU or national level. It contains provisions 
aimed at focusing attention on substances, products and uses of the highest concern especially 
through the application of exclusion criteria and the identification of candidates for substitution 
while the simplified authorisation procedure aims to facilitate the authorisation of products 
containing substances of lowest concern. In addition, the opportunities for cross fertilisation 
between REACH, CLP and the Biocidal Products Regulation will be taken to ensure that resources 
and scrutiny are targeted on the substances that represent the highest potential risks. 

ECHA’s strategic outlook will strive to anticipate any relevant future initiative it deems necessary 
to facilitate the work under this objective. Special focus will be given to future approaches and 
opportunities in using chemical use information more intelligently in close collaboration with 
member states. In addition, ECHA will explore how its four pieces of chemical regulation can most 
optimally add value for other EU regulations linked to chemical safety. 

The overall implementation approach is divided into three areas of operation: 

1.  Mobilising authorities and aligning views;  

2.  Identification of substances for regulatory risk management; and 

3.  Addressing identified concerns through REACH, CLP and other legislation. 

2.2.1 Mobilising authorities and aligning views  

Member States not only play a central role as initiators of the risk management processes under 
REACH and CLP, they also provide experts to the ECHA Committees and are key players when the 
outcome of the process is put forward for regulatory decision-making and for enforcing the 
existing and new requirements. Quick, efficient and successful implementation only works if the 
understanding and views on priorities for regulatory risk management actions are aligned to the 
greatest extent possible.  

The cooperation and coordination among Member States, ECHA and the Commission which has 
substantially increased over the last years through the establishment of expert9 and 
coordination10 groups to support the implementation of the SVHC Roadmap. These expert and 
coordination groups facilitate discussion and enhance consensus among MSCAs on which 
substances matter most and help avoiding overlapping work and gaps. Moreover, through this 
work the pool of Member States actively contributing to risk management processes is expected 
to increase further.     

By integrating and streamlining the common screening, evaluation and risk management 
processes, ECHA in cooperation with Member States and the Commission aims to shorten the 
time between the identification of concern  and the adoption of the most appropriate EU-wide 
regulatory risk management measure. A policy agreement of suitable substances for the 
authorisation list would also streamline the process and orient it to a workable substitution drive 

9 PBT and ED expert groups 
10 CMR  and  Sensitisers  and  other  equivalent  level  of  concern  coordination  groups,  petroleum  &  coal  stream  substances 

coordination group  

 
 
 
 
 
                                           
23 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

of SVHCs.  By encouraging the applicants to focus their applications for authorisation on the 
analysis of alternatives the process will give a concrete boost to innovation and the 
competitiveness of European industry. 

All of ECHA’s Committees under REACH and CLP (MSC, RAC, SEAC) are involved in the risk 
management processes according to their respective competences. Therefore, the ECHA 
Secretariat will continue to inform the Committees on the relevant policy developments and 
choices made. In addition, Member States will need to provide scientific and technical support to 
the members of the Committees. 

The intelligent use of information also comes into play with enforcement. In the coming years, 
ECHA will intensify its support to the national enforcement authorities dealing with REACH, CLP, 
PIC and BPR, including developing a common understanding on enforcement needs and priorities.  

Strategic action area 2.1 – Mobilising authorities and aligning their views 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Mobilising 
authorities 
and aligning 
views  

Review of the co-operation supporting the 
SVHC roadmap implementation  

Results of the second enforcement pilot 
project on authorisation and implement the 
pilot project on CLP addressing internet sales 
of chemicals. 

Enforcement Projects (implement REF-5 and 
prepare REF-6) 

Reinforce institutional interlinks between ECHA 
and national enforcement authorities 

Progress review on the SVHC 
roadmap and reaching the WSSD 
2020 goals 

Review workshop(s) on the SVHC 
roadmap and reaching the WSSD 
2020 goals 

Enforcement Projects (implement 
REF-6 and prepare REF-7) 

Enforcement Projects (implement 
REF-7 and prepare REF-8) 

Results of the enforcement pilot 
project on substances in articles.  

2.2.2 Identification of substances for regulatory risk management  

ECHA has set up the common screening approach to support the identification of substances for 
inclusion in the Candidate List and for further work under other REACH and CLP processes and to  
find the best combination and order of the follow up actions.  

In the coming years the Agency will continue to focus on newly identified substances that may 
give cause for concern and for which there are no (or limited) regulatory risk management 
measures in place. It will use the information included in the current registration and classification 
databases, which are already the largest in the world. It will furthermore strive to bring in 
information from other sources, including those from other regulatory bodies, to enhance the 
knowledge on the potential uses that may lead to substantial exposure of workers and consumers 
or the environment. In addition, further action will be taken to ensure that when substances that 
might need regulatory intervention are identified during ‘regular’ evaluation processes this 
knowledge is efficiently fed back to common screening activities and shared with the Member 
States.  

In line with the SVHC roadmap 2020 implementation plan ECHA will, with the help of scientific 
experts groups, continue to focus on identifying substances of equivalent level of concern to 
CMRs and PBT/vPvBs 11 and such as endocrine disruptors. The Agency will also strive to identify 
and understand if there are technically and economically suitable substitutes that the EU industry 
could adopt in a pro-active manner.    

11 Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic/very persistent and very bioaccumulative. 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

The screening activities will be automated where possible and ECHA will further intensify the 
development of a solid and integrated IT database and flexible IT screening tools to ensure that 
the MSCAs and ECHA can fully benefit from the information provided.  

Overall, addressing information gaps and improving quality of information in dossiers based on 
the REACH compliance check and substance evaluation is essential for effective regulatory risk 
management decisions. Such decisions may also result in additional operating conditions or risk 
management measures at company level, or in decisions to substitute with alternatives. 
Substance evaluation allows requesting information which goes beyond the standard information 
requirements, to clarify a potential concern for human health or the environment. Substance 
evaluation will include evaluation of substances in nanoforms and thereby contribute to advancing 
the information and understanding of hazards and risks posed by nanomaterials.  

Strategic action area 2.2 Identification of substances for regulatory risk management 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Screening 

Revision of the screening scenarios to 
identify substances that matter most to 
take into account the changed IUCLID 6 
and 2018 registrations 

Start screening substances registered by 
2018 deadline 

For substances registered above 100 
tonnes it has been concluded whether 
they are of (potential) concern or 
whether they are currently of low 
priority for further regulatory work     

Criteria, 
approaches 
and tools 

Filling 
information 
gaps 

Annual report on 2020 SVHC roadmap 
implementation 

Annual report on 2020 SVHC roadmap 
implementation 

Annual report on 2020 SVHC 
roadmap implementation 

Implementation of the recommendations 
of the first review of the Substance 
evaluation process 

Second review of the substance 
evaluation process (2015-2017) 

Implementation of the 
recommendations from the second 
review 

2.2.3 Addressing identified concerns through REACH, CLP and other legislation  

Based on the results of the screening and subsequent activities, authorities should be able to 
conclude on the best risk management option to address the identified concerns. In the context 
of the SVHC 2020 Roadmap12 developed by the Commission together with ECHA and the Member 
States, the RMO analysis framework will be regularly reviewed allowing authorities to efficiently 
make informed choices. In addition to continuing with its own efforts in developing RMO analyses 
as well as SVHC and restrictions dossiers, ECHA will continue to play an active role in coordinating 
the actions foreseen under this roadmap to ensure that all relevant substances of concern are 
identified and addressed via the most appropriate risk management route. At the same time 
ECHA will keep on developing recommendations for adding substances to the authorisation list. 
The actual number of dossiers with proposals for identification as SVHCs, harmonised 
classifications or restrictions that ultimately will need to be managed depends on the conclusions 
of the more than 400 RMO analyses that are foreseen to be carried out until 2020.    

ECHA will work together with the Member State authorities to reach agreement on the general 
principles for selecting substances for which the process of harmonising their classification and 
labelling at EU level should be initiated. In general, efforts will be made to substantially reduce 
the overall processing time for dossiers proposing harmonised classification. In addition, the 
information in the C&L Inventory will be analysed to identify priorities for efforts by industry to 
agree on their self-classification.  

12 Roadmap for SVHCs identification and implementation of REACH Risk Management measures from now to 2020 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
                                           
25 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

ECHA will continue to work with the Commission, Member States and stakeholder organisations to 
ensure further streamlining and focusing of the application for authorisation process taking 
account of the experience gained in the first years. In addition, ECHA will further explore its 
options for providing more extensive and specific support to companies in substituting SVHCs 
substances with safer alternatives. In relation to the work of its committees, the Agency 
continues to operate in a transparent manner while aiming to further increase the efficiency of 
the submission process for applications for authorisations and the opinion forming of RAC and 
SEAC.  At the same time, it will endeavour to increase the availability of high quality information 
to allow potential applicants to analyse alternatives to substances of very high concern and thus 
make an informed decision on whether to substitute or to apply for an authorisation. This 
information will allow ECHA’s scientific committees to conclude on applications efficiently.  

ECHA will continue to actively use its website during the public consultation on the substance and 
its alternatives to ensure that, to the extent possible, all relevant information on suitable 
alternatives is available to support the opinion forming process. Where feasible, active 
participation of those companies producing the alternatives will be encouraged. In a similar 
manner, ECHA will further support applicants, in particular downstream users, so that good 
quality and fit-for purpose applications can be submitted in a cost-effective manner. ECHA also 
will work with its stakeholders to ensure that fit-for-purpose information on alternatives is 
available to potential applicants and effectively fed into the opinion forming process.  

Successful implementation of the 2020 SVHC Roadmap will most likely lead to an increase in the 
number of restrictions. This will also oblige Member States to become more efficient and develop 
more targeted approaches and follow up on the recommendations developed by the restrictions 
efficiency task force. ECHA expects that in this period the first proposals to restrict the use of 
substances in imported articles after the sunset date, will be decided upon and new proposals will 
be put forward.  

When considering regulatory action it may be the case that REACH is not the most effective 
solution to address concerns about the impact of a substance through a specific use. In those 
cases, ECHA will liaise with the European Commission and other relevant authorities about the 
need to use legislative or other regulatory action. In the same way, it is possible to use REACH to 
manage environmental or health concerns identified during the implementation of other EU 
legislation. This could lead to requests for information on registered substances or even requests 
for ECHA to prepare Annex XV restrictions or SVHC dossiers, or to suggest that MSCAs take 
action in the context of REACH (e.g. substance evaluation or classification).  

ECHA will work together with the European Commission to increase the understanding of how 
REACH could support other EU legislative processes (e.g. for carrying out the workers risk 
assessment under the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation) and contribute to developing 
effective communication between the relevant parties. Where relevant and appropriate, ECHA will 
explore ways of enhancing the coherent implementation of the different pieces of Union 
legislation related to chemicals. 

ECHA will start developing an effective and pragmatic approach to prepare the support to the 
Biocidal Products Committee and its working groups for the Union authorisation process. In this 
context, ECHA will look at the experiences gained in mutual recognition of national authorisations. 

Strategic action area 2.3 Addressing identified concerns through REACH, CLP and other legislation 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Through 
REACH & CLP 

Analysis of the possibilities to improve the 
C&L inventory, joint communication 
campaign with stakeholders, MSCAs and 
COM 

Report on the identification of technically 
feasible and affordable substitutes 

Conference on lessons learned of the 
applications for authorisation 

 
 
 
 
  
 
26 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Other 
legislation  

Workshop on the practical use of 
REACH/CLP information to support 
compliance with other legal obligations 
at company level 

Follow-up workshop on topics 
identified in 2018 

2.3  Addressing scientific challenges by serving as a hub for building 

the scientific and regulatory capacity of Member States, European 
institutions and other actors 

ECHA’s activities are rooted in a strong regulatory science foundation. Hence, its technical and 
scientific expertise needs constant updating especially since new scientific findings continuously 
emerge within the various disciplines supporting chemicals management. Furthermore new 
paradigms gradually push the boundaries of traditional hazard assessments (e.g. systems 
biology, bioinformatics, (eco)toxicogenomics) offering for example opportunities for reduction in 
traditional animal testing. This holds also true for aspects of exposure assessment of chemicals as 
well as in the field of socio-economic assessment (e.g. evaluating benefits of risk reduction 
measures).  

ECHA will keep developing its scientific and regulatory capacity and expertise, in partnership and 
dialogue with the science community, and encompass scientific developments and emerging 
regulatory needs. It will also take into account the scientific capacity of its own Committees, of 
Member State authorities, including other agencies, international partners and relevant actors. In 
addition, ECHA will actively interact with the professional and academic scientific community  

These two inter-related and synergistic aspects of ECHA’s scientific capacity, i.e. institutional 
knowledge and interaction and influence in the science community, contribute to the ultimate 
third strategic objective of ECHA to be a hub for regulatory science by providing leadership and 
catalysing improvements and developments in chemical safety. This requires consistent and 
regular interaction with Member States, EU institutions, the OECD and other relevant actors. The 
third strategic objective is not isolated from the three other objectives: without up-to-date 
scientific and technical capacity, which is under regular review and constant development, the 
other strategic objectives cannot be successfully implemented. 

The overall implementation approach is divided into three areas of operation: 

1.  Expertise and capacity building;  

2.  Serving as a hub for excellence in regulatory science; and 

3.  ECHA’s Regulatory Science Strategy. 

2.3.1 Expertise and capacity building  

ECHA has a competence management framework to identify the needs for sustained capacity-
building and support their implementation as an integral part of the overall strategic and day-to-
day management. This framework ensures that ECHA remains proactive in adapting its scientific 
and regulatory capacity through training and development to meet the new competence 
challenges it will be facing in the near future. Examples of areas where science is rapidly moving 
forward include alternative testing methods, including in vitro techniques, read across and 
QSARs, and nanomaterials. Due to the dynamic nature of the progress in science and in the 
regulatory field a regularly reviewed competence mapping will provide a basis for the framework. 

Competence mapping enables the identification and prioritisation of the needs for development in 
the medium term. This enables the Agency to prepare for its operational needs and foreseen 
medium and longer-term challenges in its regulatory activities (e.g. the update of work plans for 
nanomaterials or test methods, development of approaches for addressing endocrine disruptors, 
or guidance development in relevant areas). Both the mapping and the implementation plan for 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

capacity building will be revised on a regular basis in support of the continuous professional 
development of skills of ECHA’s staff. This will encompasses training and development, including 
active participation on scientific and professional meetings and workshops, co-authoring scientific 
papers, lectures by invited experts and professional accreditation schemes. 

ECHA’s Scientific Committees are producing a major part of its scientific output via Committee 
opinions and agreements. The Committee members also hold an invaluable amount of scientific 
knowledge and expertise that is already part of the shared competence asset supporting ECHA. 
In its competence development activities ECHA also takes into account Member State authorities 
and other key partners to enable efficient coordination and optimal use of resources of all 
relevant actors. 

The expected benefits of this activity include ECHA having the capacity to rapidly transfer the 
latest scientific knowledge in emerging areas into its guidance, advice, and tools for industry, into 
its regulatory opinions and decisions, and in the advice and support given to the EU institutions. 

Strategic action area 3.1 –  Expertise and capacity building 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Expertise and 
capacity 
building 

Review of the competence management 
framework 

Action plan prepared to ensure adequate 
scientific and regulatory capacity relevant 
for circular economy.  

Annual training programme for inspectors 
delivered to a group of national trainers 

Improvement actions completed 
to ensure ECHA’s staff capacity 
to assess alternative methods 
and approaches.  

Action plan prepared to ensure adequate 
scientific and regulatory capacity for 
ECHA post-2020, including for potential 
new tasks. 

Annual training programme for 
inspectors delivered to a group 
of national trainers 

Annual training programme for 
inspectors delivered to a group of 
national trainers 

2.3.2 Serving as a hub for excellence in regulatory science  

A strong element of the third strategic objective is ECHA’s aspiration to become a hub for the 
scientific and regulatory capacity-building of Member States, European institutions and other 
actors. This also involves a strengthened interface with the scientific community, international 
organisations involved in chemicals assessment such as OECD and WHO, and ECHA’s 
international partners. This external orientation is justified as the scientific and regulatory issues 
that the Agency faces are in most cases similar to those faced by its external partners and 
stakeholders. The competence management framework, as described above, is considered to be a 
prerequisite of the external dimension of ECHA’s capacity-building.   

Within the “hub concept” ECHA will continue to provide a platform and network of expertise for 
where its experts can convene with peers from Member States, the European Commission, other 
Agencies, international organisations and academia to address relevant topics.  ECHA’s scientific 
activities will be strongly need-oriented and serving the regulatory decision-making and scientific 
opinion-forming of the Agency. This also includes the scientific advice provided to the European 
Commission (e.g. in the development of internationally accepted test guidelines). ECHA has 
multiple elements and structures in place that are exemplifying the “hub concept” such as for 
example the various expert groups (e.g. PBT, nanomaterials) and its topical scientific workshops. 
Similarly, ECHA is contributing to, and benefiting from activities hosted by other actors; examples 
include Commission work on endocrine disruptors and combination effects, IATAs (Integrated 
Approaches to Testing and Assessment) and OECD work on adverse outcome pathways. 

In addition, this approach means strengthening and developing activities already in place under 
the agreements or memoranda of understanding with other relevant EU and international 
partners. In particular, ECHA will continue to invest in further developing the partnership and 
cooperation with the Commission’s JRC, to maximise the synergies of combining R&D and 
regulatory activities in the areas of alternative test methods, computational toxicology and other 
non-testing approaches, integrated testing strategies, as well as nanomaterials.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
28 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Applications for authorisation and restrictions require up-to-date knowledge and skills on 
regulatory impact assessment, including socio-economic analysis. Therefore, ECHA has been 
upgrading systematically the skills of the members of its scientific committees, in particular, SEAC 
and its own staff, as well as the staff of Member States. It plans to continue to do so and will also 
continue to work together with organisations outside the EU both bilaterally and through 
international bodies such as the OECD. ECHA will continue to have research projects on the 
technical and economic consequences of using alternative substances and technologies, the 
values that would be used to estimate human health or environmental impacts of chemicals 
regulation and to learn lessons from different impact assessments of the management of risks 
related to chemicals in the EU and elsewhere. ECHA will also continue to collaborate with 
academic networks and associations in risk management, analysis of alternatives and economic 
analysis, including the Network of REACH SEA and Analysis of Alternatives Practitioners 
(NeRSAP). NeRSAP meetings are intended to be held about once a year hosted by an industry 
stakeholder, Member State and ECHA in a rotating manner. 

To facilitate a closer dialogue between academia and regulatory science, ECHA will continue 
organising topical scientific workshops, e.g. with a view to assess the regulatory impact of the 
latest scientific developments on a specific area and how they could be transferred to 
methodologies applied and guidance and tools developed by ECHA. The workshops will have a 
strong regulatory perspective and high visibility. In the same way, ECHA will also keep on 
participating and contributing to equivalent initiatives from other relevant actors. 

Topics in regulatory science of high priority, in the future, include endocrine disruptors, 
combination effects, read-across/grouping of substances, integrated testing strategies, non-
standard methods for information for the 2018 registrations and dealing with uncertainty in 
predicted properties for risk assessment and classification. Also with regard to nanomaterials, 
while noting that the legal text should be clarified, ECHA will further aim to ensure that the 
regulatory requirements of REACH, CLP, and BPR can be implemented to address the hazards and 
risks of substances in nanoform and keep extending its capacities where relevant. Special 
attention will be given to scientific and regulatory activities, including guidance, at the EU and 
OECD level in the field of safe use of nanomaterials. 

Overall, the expected benefits of this area of operation include: 

- optimisation of capacity building between key players, avoiding gaps and unnecessary overlaps; 

- more focused cooperation between ECHA, other relevant EU agencies, international 
organisations, and ECHA’s international partner organisations; 

- more rapid integration of scientific development into regulatory decision-making, including 
accelerating the regulatory acceptance of alternative testing and assessment methods, and 
integrated testing strategies especially with a view of the 2018 registration deadline. 

Strategic action area 3.2 – A hub for excellence in regulatory science 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Hub for 
excellence in 
regulatory 
science 

1 regulatory science workshop  

1 regulatory science workshop  

1 regulatory science workshop  

Actions  resulting from the 2016  ECHA report 
under Art 117.2 of REACH 

3rd Report on use of alternatives under Art 
117.3 published. 

Report on the regulatory applicability of 
alternative and non-animal approaches 
published. 

Overall plan to update ECHA 
guidance to latest scientific 
developments. 

Regulatory science cooperation with 
international partners reviewed. 

Socio-
economic 
analysis 

Launch of collaborative research on the 
valuation of human health impacts of chemical 
exposure. 

Results of the research on values 
available published and disseminated 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

2.3.3 ECHA’s Regulatory Science Strategy  

The scientific credibility of ECHA requires the active involvement of its staff in the new 
developments in regulatory science areas of hazard / risk assessment and risk management. 
Based on its Regulatory Science Strategy, ECHA will aim for clear and consistent prioritisation of 
contributions to research activities, such as those under the Framework Programme projects and 
Horizon 2020. As ECHA cannot use its resources to carry out research itself, the participation is 
normally foreseen in the form of membership in steering boards, and contributing to project plans 
and research programmes to ensure regulatory relevance of these activities. In addition, 
publication and dissemination of scientific assessments arising from ECHA regulatory work will be 
further stimulated. Furthermore, based on its strategy, ECHA will strive to facilitate research 
projects to benefit from ECHA’s databases and information assets and will further support the 
current ECHA graduate scheme to promote career development of young regulatory scientists. 

The expected benefits of this area of operation include: 

- more coherent and visible priority setting and approaches for contributing to scientific 
developments, including cooperation with key scientific societies and associations; 

- increased awareness among the scientific community about the regulatory relevance of various 
research activities, and a shift towards problem formulation and research funding for regulatory 
work. 

Strategic action area 3.3 –  ECHA’s Regulatory Science Strategy 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

ECHA’s 
Regulatory 
Science Strategy 

Review of  the Science Strategy  taking into 
account the 2016 ECHA report under Art 117.2 
of REACH and the 2020 “REACH” goals 

Updated communication from ECHA 
towards research community on R&D 
needs serving ECHA’s priorities. 

2.4  Embracing current and new legislative tasks efficiently and 

effectively (while adapting to upcoming resource constraints) 

ECHA is facing a growing number of tasks while its resources are under pressure. Without 
achieving higher efficiency and maximising the synergies between the Agency’s tasks, ECHA will 
not be able to achieve the ambitions set out in this multi-annual plan and by the WSSD goals on 
chemicals. At the same time, higher levels of efficiency must not mean lower levels of 
effectiveness. The continuous improvement of its more mature operations should aim at both 
higher efficiency and increased effectiveness.  

With the experience and expertise gained since its foundation in 2007, the Agency will further 
elaborate towards synergies and possibilities to integrate its current operations towards other 
legislative areas in service of the European Commission and the Member States. ECHA will further 
strengthen its capabilities and expertise in the area of chemicals management. Activities such as 
supporting the European Poison centres, where ECHA will in addition to maintaining tools, formats 
and a European Product Category system for the notification of information on mixtures classified 
as hazardous for the purposes of emergency health responses, further offer its know-how and IT 
infrastructure  to the benefit of all parties dealing with these notifications, is one example how 
ECHA can offer leverage towards optimising and reinforcing other regulatory support activities 
within the EU (in this case the forthcoming amendment of the CLP regulation). Under this 
strategic objective ECHA anticipate to address such future opportunities for example via 
Management Board workshops and feasibility studies. 

The overall implementation approach is divided into the following action areas of operation: 

1.  Maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of existing and new work processes;  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

2.  Delivering integrated and re-usable IT systems and services; and  

3.  HR policies and initiatives for maximising the potential of staff members and coping with 

decreasing staff levels. 

2.4.1 Maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of existing and new work 
processes  

ECHA will keep working on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of all its four pieces of 
legislation (REACH, CLP, Biocides and PIC). Where possible, relevant improvements in particular 
processes and tools will be expanded to fertilise across the various regulatory domains and to 
ensure overall improvement across sectors. In a similar manner, further efficiencies will be 
pursued through linking information and databases on chemicals overall. Within its continuous 
strive for improvement, refinement and/or re-engineering of many processes is foreseen. The aim 
will be to make any necessary changes well before the run up to the 2018 REACH deadline. 
Especially, in light of this milestone, ECHA will continue improving its customer experience with 
specific attention to the needs of SMEs.  

In the area of biocides ECHA will continue working to improve the efficiency within the review 
programme of active biocidal substances in cooperation with the Member States. These 
efficiencies remain crucial both from the point of view of achieving the desired impact of the BPR, 
and also has a direct impact on future fee income for ECHA arising from subsequent product 
authorisation. While gaining experience with the first applications for Union authorisation, the 
Agency will focus to refine and improve these processes. This is important in anticipation of the 
foreseen increase in applications and workload both for ECHA and for Member States. 

ECHA will also review the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the work processes that involve 
the other European regulatory actors: the European Commission and the Member State 
competent authorities. For all stakeholders involved (e.g. enforcement, ECHA’s committees) it will 
remain important to share lessons learnt and strive for efficiency gains in order to cope with the 
increasing workload. 

Based on the Commission review of REACH, to be published in 2017, and on the external review 
of the Agency, ECHA will implement the relevant recommendations to improve its work and the 
relevant operations. Considerable contribution from ECHA is to be expected towards the fitness 
check of the REACH regulation under the REFIT program. 

Strategic action area 4.1 – Maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of existing and new work 
processes 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Quality system  Renewal of ISO9001 certification and 

possible extension of its scope to 
biocides processes 

Process re-
engineering 

Efficiency improvements through re-
engineering of REACH and CLP processes  

First round of efficiency improvements 
through re-engineering of REACH and CLP 
processes completed 

Biocides 

Preparedness for the first extension of 
the scope of Union Authorisation 

Review the Union Authorisation process on 
the basis of experience gained with first 
years of implementation. 

PIC 

CLP 

Three-year report on operations  

Maintenance of tools and guidance for 
the notification to the poison centres. 

Maintenance of tools and guidance for the 
notification to the poison centres 

Development of ‘one-stop notification’ 
system for notifications to the poison 

Support to notifiers for the 1st 
deadline of notifications to the 
poison centres 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Feasibility study for ‘one-stop 
notification’ system for notifications to 
the poison centres 

centres subject to outcome of the 
feasibility study 

2.4.2 Delivering integrated and re-usable IT systems and services  

IT has a fundamental role to play in maximising efficiency, especially where processes can be 
automated and data mining can be developed to support the Agency’s scientific and regulatory 
work. All four pieces of legislation remain very heavily dependent on the use of automated IT 
systems. ECHA will keep on exploring tools and expertise to improve and integrate its services 
towards stakeholders. Internally, IT systems will keep on focussing on harmonising and 
consolidating shared solutions to improve efficiency and facilitate future maintenance work.  

After having achieved a first foundations milestone in 2016 with the release of renewed IT tools 
for all parties (Industry and Authorities) and after having completed the first roadmap of its 
Enterprise Content Management Programme, ECHA will define and pursue the new target 
architecture suitable to support the new phase of ECHA, notably after the last registration 
deadline. ECHA will also roll out its special Cloud Services for SMEs based on centrally hosted and 
operated IUCLID functionalities for preparing registration dossiers online and store data at ECHA. 

Specific attention will be paid to those processes where the MSCAs play particular roles in order 
to better support integration, consolidation and usability, ultimately better enabling the strategic 
objective on mobilising all the actors involved in the successful implementation of the legislations. 
ECHA will seek to consolidate the interface for Authorities and Committees to interact with all 
ECHA processes under REACH, CLP, and BPR.  

To help foster efficiency and consistency in the authorities’ work, ECHA will facilitate MSCAs 
cooperation and coordination of activities on specific substances. These will include information 
exchange platforms and easy-to-use overviews of the regulatory status of different groups of 
substances.    

A major driver of the IT activities in general will be enhancing the usability and searchability of 
ECHA’s information and integrating with other relevant data sources. Internally IT developments 
during the period will further automate and streamline important elements of the management 
processes, planning and reporting.  

The increased reliance on IT requires an assurance that it is resilient enough to withstand major 
incidents or disruptions. Therefore, ECHA will continue its investment in making its ICT 
infrastructure more resilient, easy to operate and flexible; easy to expand and more redundant to 
withstanding incidents. Finally, given the fast-paced evolution of technology and the natural life-
cycle of IT systems, there will be one major technological and architectural revision of the broad 
landscape of IT solutions and services within the period. 

Strategic action area 4.2 Delivering integrated and re-usable IT systems and services 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Deliver IT 
support for 
regulatory 
processes 

Readiness of the performance and resilience of 
the IT systems and services for  the last 
REACH deadline 

Target architecture 2017-2020 defined 

Target architecture 2017-2020 
pursued 

Target architecture 2017-2020 
pursued 

Further implement the 
ECHAinteract roadmap  

Consolidation of ECHAinteract 
roadmap 

Initiate a roadmap for IT solutions for 
Authorities and Committees to further 
integrate and streamline processes and mutual 
interactions (ECHAinteract). 

Update of the ECM roadmap, achieving the 
completion of the objectives on historical 
archiving 

Design the ECM historical 
archiving solution 

Deploy ECM historical archiving 
solution 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Strategic action area 4.2 Delivering integrated and re-usable IT systems and services 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Deliver IT 
support for 
administrative 
processes 

Ensure 
adequacy of ICT 
infrastructure 

New version of the EUSES tool for biocides   

Implementation of an enhanced planning and 
reporting solution  

Consolidation of the planning 
and reporting solution 

Transition to new sourcing 
channels 

80 % of the technical services 
are outsourced  

Upgrade of the Security Models 
for cloud provisioning 

Infrastructure Services upgraded 

Workplace IT facilities upgrade 
started 

Readiness for last REACH deadline 

Support for cloud services for SMEs secured; 
Future  Infrastructure Services model designed  

Replace the expiring framework contracts for 
outsourced services   

Workplace IT facilities upgrade completed 

Upgrade of the Security Models for remote 
access 

Upgrade key technologies (e.g. Documentum, 
Sharepoint) in line with an established 
technology roadmap. 

2.4.3 HR policies and initiatives for maximising the potential of human 
resources and cope with decreasing staff levels  

ECHA has staff with high levels of professional expertise - even where the available pool of 
expertise is limited – for example the field of regulatory science. However, the skills and 
knowledge of staff need to be continually developed. 

ECHA’s human resources policies and practices must cater for the current demands (through the 
short-term cycle of objective setting, performance appraisal, training, etc.), but must also be 
flexible enough to deliver on new areas of work and in situations of decreasing staff levels 
(through the long-term cycle of organisation development and flexibility, priority setting, culture 
and leadership). 

The retention of performing staff is central to ECHA’s continued success. Key issues to be 
addressed during the period include effective performance management; identification, 
development and reward of key people; assignment of posts to priority areas and strategic 
human resource development. Moreover, it will be a major management challenge in this respect 
to proactively influence, motivate and empower staff in the achievement of our priorities. 

Strategic action area 4.3 HR policies and initiatives 

Priority area 

2017 

2018 

2019 

HR Policies and 
Initiatives 

Decision on ECHA’s future physical 
workplace 

Review of competency mapping 
framework 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
33 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

2.5  Workload drivers of ECHA’s regulatory activities 

The magnitude of ECHA’s regulatory activities, tasks and outputs in a given year depend, to a 
large extent, on a number of external and regulatory drivers as identified and presented in the 
table below. The forecasted values indicate the Agency’s assumptions about the future workload 
or available capacity, based on the original Commission estimates updated with any new 
information ECHA has gained. 

Baseline figures, as planned for 2016-2019 

ECHA’s main activity drivers 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Dossiers arriving REACH and CLP 
Registration dossiers (including updates) 

10000 

13000 

59500 

19500 

Testing proposals 

Confidentiality requests 

220 

390 

22013 

240 

540 

3290 

Access to data older than 12 years 

320 

350 

390 

70 

450 

320 

PPORD notifications (incl. requests for 
prolongation) 

Inquiries concluded 

Data sharing disputes 

Restriction proposals submitted by MS and 
ECHA (REACH Annex XV) 

Restriction proposals (or reports) developed 
by ECHA on behalf of the Commission 
Restrictions proposals (or reports) developed 
under Article 69(2). 
Proposals for harmonised classification and 
labelling (CLP Annex VI)  
Proposals for identification as SVHC (REACH 
Annex XV) 15 

Authorisation applications 

Alternative name requests 

Substances on the CoRAP to be evaluated by 
MSs 

ECHA decisions REACH and CLP 

Evaluation decisions 

- Testing proposal 

300 

300 

300 

300 

1600 

170014 

1900 

2000 

20 

10 

2 

2 

60 

20 

60 

100 

39 

80 

170 

20 

6 

5 

1 

70 

15 

5 

50 

25 

8 

4 

1 

75 

20 

15 

50 

40 

8 

4 

1 

85 

25 

15 

50 

50 

250 

150 

105 

165 

13 Includes delayed testing proposals resulting from the 216 pending Commission decisions on testing proposals related to 

extended one-generation reproduction toxicity study (EOGRTS) originally included in the estimate for 2016  

14 After May 2017 it is no longer possible to submit late pre-registrations. If the current trend observed in the number of 
late pre-registrations received (12.000 late pre-registrations/year) continues, the number of inquiries is likely to increase 
dramatically in 2017 
15 The actual number of SVHC dossiers arriving will depend on the outcome of the RMO analyses. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

ECHA’s main activity drivers 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

- Compliance Check  

180 

180 

- Substance evaluation  

Decisions on data sharing  

Decisions on PPORD 

Decisions on completeness check 
(negative)16 
Decisions on confidentiality requests 
(negative)17 

Appeals 

Appeals submitted  

Cases closed 

Others 

Updates of the CoRAP for substances subject 
to substance evaluation 

Recommendations to the European 
Commission for the Authorisation List 

30 

20 

50 

30 

70 

50 

180 

30 

140 

50 

100 

260 

1200 

50 

65 

340 

26 

15 

1 

1 

27 

25 

1 

0 

36 

25 

1 

1 

180 

22 

15 

50 

400 

150 

30 

25 

1 

1 

Received helpdesk questions on REACH and 
CLP 

n/a 

8000 

10000 

2650 

Resolved general enquiries 

Press enquiries and interviews 

SME checks 

Management Board meetings 

MSC meetings 

RAC meetings 

SEAC meetings 

Forum meetings 

Biocides 

600 

500 

500 

4 

6 

8 

6 

3 

1200 

1200 

550 

330 

600 

400 

4 

6 

7 

5 

3 

4 

6 

6 

4 

3 

600 

400 

400 

4 

6 

6 

4 

3 

Received helpdesk questions on Biocides 

n/a 

3000 

5000 

5000 

Applications for new active substance 
approval 

Applications for renewal or review of active 
substances 

Opinions on active substances in the Review 
Programme 

23 

0 

50 

8 

2 

50 

28 

11 

50 

8 

5 

50 

16 Calculated as a percentage of number of dossiers received, where the percentage is based on the historical data of actual 
negative decisions in 2011-2015 
17 Calculated as a percentage of number of confidentiality requests received, where the percentage is based on the historical 
data of actual negative decisions in 2011-2015 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

ECHA’s main activity drivers 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Applications for Union authorisation 

Assessment of technical equivalence 

BPC meetings 

Biocides appeals 

PIC  

Notifications 

8 

30 

5 

1 

37 

37 

6 

3 

30 

45 

6 

1 

40 

45 

6 

1 

6300 

8900 

10700 

12900 

Received helpdesk questions on PIC 

n/a 

650 

1200 

900 

New TA posts to be filled for PIC 

0 

0 

1 

0 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

3. Human and financial resource outlook for 2017-2019 

3.1  Overview of the past and current situation. 

Staff population overview (detailed data provided in Table 1 in Annex II)   

ECHA clearly recognises the present economic and budgetary circumstances and their impact on 
its operating environment and steps have been, and will continue to be, taken to gradually 
further improve the efficiency of the operational and administrative processes. While ECHA’s 
workload will remain high, and in certain areas will continue to increase, the Agency has to adapt 
to an overall reduction in staff resources during the period of 2017-2019. 

In 2015, ECHA achieved a vacancy rate of 2% for REACH/CLP posts which it wishes to maintain 
as low as possible. ECHA achieved its recruitment target for PIC posts, attaining a vacancy rate of 
0%. For Biocides posts, the vacancy rate is higher, due to the uncertainty of the number of posts 
for 2016. 

For the period 2017–2019, ECHA will follow the Commission Communication COM(2013)519 with 
respect to the number of TA posts for REACH/CLP and PIC tasks, and a slightly lower number of TA 
posts  for 2017 and 2018 for Biocides. For 2019, the Biocides TA posts are also aligned with the 
2013 Commission Communication on the multiannual financial framework (MFF). 

Staff-related expenditure in 2015 (detailed data provided in Table 1 in Annex II) 

For REACH/CLP staff related expenditure, it is to be noted that, contrary to July 2013 to June 
2015 period when the salaries were frozen, we expect an approximate 2.4 % salary increase as 
of July 2015 and an estimated 1% each year thereafter; as well, we should note that the 
calculation of 2017 has been made on the full Establishment Plan instead of 95 % in 2016 (to 
adjust to the latest low vacancy rate and turnover statistics at ECHA).  

For a fourth consecutive year, the European Schooling expenses are included in the budget and 
they amount to approximately € 987,185 for REACH (1,103,000 for REACH, Biocides and PIC 
altogether). 

3.2  Resource programming for the years 2017-2019 

3.2.1 Financial Resources (detailed data provided in Tables in Annex II)  

3.2.1.1  REVENUES 

REACH /CLP 

The REACH/CLP income is comprised of collected fees and charges as well as the EU subsidy. The 
forecasted fee income and, consequently, the required subsidy vary significantly over the years 
covered by the planning period. This is mostly due to the fee income uncertainty and the final 
registration deadline under the REACH regulation, which falls in 2018, causing a significant peak 
in the revenues.  

In 2017, the fees and charges are estimated to total c. € 26 million and the required balancing EU 
subsidy is c. € 69 million. 

 BIOCIDES 

Similarly to REACH/CLP, the Biocides activities are financed with both fee income and EU subsidy. 
The high uncertainty continues with respect to the budgeted revenue from fees and charges, 
which are based on dossier application volumes.  

In 2017, the fees and charges are estimated to total c. € 5.8 million and the required balancing 
EU subsidy is c. € 4.5 million. 

Following the growing number of applications and the consequent additional staff needs to handle 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

these, the subsidy required for the year 2017 exceeds the amount foreseen in the MFF.   

PIC 

ECHA’s PIC activities will be fully funded from an EU subsidy over the planning period with the 
amounts foreseen in the MFF. So far the reduction in expenditure has been absorbed by Title 5, 
but ECHA will examine whether a higher subsidy for 2018-2019 would be needed to compensate 
part of the increase, considering that the number of substances on the Annex I is increasing 
faster than anticipated and also that ECHA receives an extra post in 2018. 

3.2.1.2  EXPENDITURE 

Title 1  

REACH /CLP 

For 2017, the needs for staff-related expenditure (Title 1) amount to c. € 62 million, which is c. € 
1 million more than in the 2016 budget. Salaries represent 92% of the total Title 1 budget, while 
other staff-related expenditure accounts for 8% of the total. 

BIOCIDES 

The total amount for staff-related expenditure in Biocides in 2017 is estimated at c. € 6.9 million, 
representing an increase of 21%. This increase is stemming from the additional 7 posts for 2017. 
Of the total staff related expenditure, direct salary costs are € 6.1 million (88%) and other 
personnel costs € 0.8 million (12%).  

PIC 

Total amount for staff-related expenditure in PIC is estimated at c. € 0.7 million. Of this amount, 
direct salaries represent c. € 0.5 million and other personnel costs c. € 0.2 million. 

Title 2 

The overall Title 2 (infrastructure and operating) expenditure for 2017 amounts to c. € 15 million, 
which corresponds to the 2016 level.  

The chapter 20 (Rental of buildings and associated costs) increases slightly from 2016 and totals 
€ 7.5 million.  

The administrative IT expenditure in Title 2 (chapter 21 and 22) encompasses the purchase of 
software, hardware and their respective maintenance as well as any related IT services needed 
for the smooth running and administration of the Agency.  

An amount of € 3.6 million is allocated to the Outsourced IT managed services that include i.a. 
the so called Infrastructure as a Service and that are necessary to operate the ICT infrastructure 
of the Agency.  

Operational Titles 

Title 3 (REACH / CLP) 

The year 2017 is crucial in ECHA’s preparation for the last registration deadline of phase-in 
substances in 2018.  

In light of the final REACH registration deadline in 2018, the number of companies having to 
comply with REACH requirements becomes larger and many of those companies will be SMEs and 
inexperienced with the legislation. That brings increased demands on the communication function 
to reach out, particularly to SMEs, with more support and, where possible, provide them with 
simplified and shorter information, thereby making it understandable and easier to use. At the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

same time, the awareness-raising activities for general audiences (particularly consumers) on the 
safe use of chemicals and “right to ask” will continue. 

Substance evaluation is expected to continue at a slightly lower level in 2017-18, with 35-40 
substances per year, and again increase in 2019. The evaluation work is done by Member States 
Competent Authorities and, in line with the Fee Regulation, a proportion of funds is transferred to 
them to compensate for part of the work carried out.  

The expected high number of authorisation applications that arrived at the end of 2015, and early 
2016, will be challenging for the Secretariat, as well as for the Risk Assessment and Socio-
Economic Analysis Committees also in 2017, from both scientific and workload perspectives. The 
anticipated budget for the rapporteurs foresees payment appropriations necessary to cover 
contractual obligations from previous years, as well as for contracts signed in 2016. An increase 
in expenditure is furthermore foreseen to support an increase in risk management related 
activities such as support to the development of restriction dossiers as well as for activities in 
relation to substances in articles.       

The IT costs in Title 3 are intended to cover all the costs for developing and maintaining IT tools 
such as REACH-IT, IUCLID, ECHA Cloud Services for SMEs, CHESAR, RIPE, Dynamic Case, Portal 
Dashboard, ODYSSEY and other ECM Programme tools quality assurance services for the afore-
mentioned applications and other services. Also the costs related to Data Management and 
Dissemination of REACH data fall under Title 3. 

Preparing REACH-IT for 2018 registration deadline is ongoing and in 2017 enhancements are 
planned for improving ECHA internal efficiency. After that, the application will be adapted to the 
post - 2018 needs, considering cost effective maintainability.  

The ECM Programme will complete the objectives on archiving. Funds are reserved for the 
implementation of the new ECHAinteract roadmap pursuing a single interface for Competent 
Authorities and Committees with easy access to all case and substance information, and 
standardised interactions with ECHA Processes.  

In relation to the IT tools for Authorities, it is expected that in 2017 ECHA will take over the 
development of EUSES.  

The estimates for the year 2017 also include the running recurrent costs for operating the ECHA 
Cloud Services for SMEs totalling € 217 thousand.  

Finally, in 2018 an extraordinary high number of interims is going to be needed to support the 
staff to handle the workload stemming from processing the incoming registration dossiers and 
providing support to the registrants and thus the expenditure foreseen for that year is 
significantly higher than in the other years of the planning period. 

Title 4 (BIOCIDES) 

The main expenditure item in 2017 for Biocides is related to the IT tools. In relation to the IT 
tools for Authorities, it is expected that in 2017 ECHA will take over the development of EUSES 
and support the enforcement in the BPR with Biocides funds. The expenditure foreseen for R4BP 
service are kept to the financial fiche. However, for the R4BP project, provided that funds are 
made available in 2016, the development part can be completed during 2017 and the application 
is expected to go into maintenance mode after that.  

Another significant expenditure item relates to the Biocidal Products Committee, through which 
ECHA continues delivering opinions for the European Commission to support decision-making on 
biocidal active substances and products. In fact, ECHA is not only coordinating the evaluation of 
active substances and the Union-wide authorisation of biocidal products; it is also the central hub 
for all applications, establishment of technical equivalence, assessment of applications for 
alternative suppliers, resolution of data sharing disputes, dissemination, preparation of guidance, 
and communication.  

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Title 5 (PIC) 

The largest part of the PIC budget for 2017 is foreseen for the maintenance of the IT tools related 
to the support of the export notifications and the import consents. Other main parts are used for 
Communications, particularly for translating materials into 22 languages. 

Information on budget outturn and cancellation of appropriations provided in Table 3 of Annex II. 

3.2.2 Human resources  

Resource outlook over the years 2017 to 2019 (detailed data provided in table 2 in 
Annex III) 

New tasks:  

At present, the foreseeable new tasks for the period of 2017-2019, are those requested by the 
Commission to support the renewal of authorisations of biocidal products containing anticoagulant 
rodenticide active substances. 

It is also proposed, that from 2016 onwards ECHA would become responsible for some new tasks 
in relation to the notification of emergency health response to the poison centres, in accordance 
with the amendment to the CLP regulation. This may include – further to a feasibility study 
carried out in 2017 - the development in 2018 of a new portal (‘one-stop notification’ system) for 
receiving notifications to the poison centres and dispatching them to the relevant bodies. This last 
activity is a new task not included in the Commission proposal and impact assessment, which will 
require appropriate funding and potentially additional human resources, especially in 2018 as the  
the initial development of the system and the setting up of the operations may need to happen at 
a time where many resources will be dedicated to handling of the 2018 registration deadline.   

The European Commission will delegate to ECHA the task to host the EU Nanomaterials 
Observatory. The Observatory will analyse, evaluate and disseminate information on 
nanomaterials present on the EU market. While implementation may already start in 2016, the 
years 2017-2019 would be the period when this new function becomes fully operational.  

Finally, it is expected that the Commission will request ECHA in the near future to carry out some 
administrative, technical and scientific tasks for the implementation of the Regulation (EC) No 
850/2004 on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The details of the activities foreseen and the 
related budget and staff consequences will be further clarified during the recast of that Regulation 
which the Commission is currently working on.  

Growth of existing tasks:  

Resource outlook for REACH/CLP-related tasks  

This section quantifies the required overall number of staff required by ECHA for REACH/CLP-
related tasks for the period 2017-2019, taking into account the anticipated workload inherent in 
existing tasks and in the growth of such existing tasks.  

As outlined in the section on operational activities, ECHA’s registration activity will undergo 
significant growth from mid-2016 until mid-2018 as a result of the largest REACH registration 
deadline in 2018. Successful management of the 2018 deadline is critical to the continued 
success of REACH and will be a major step in ‘closing the information gap’ on chemicals. The 
average number of dossiers to be processed by ECHA is anticipated to be at least 45,000 (and 
could be up to 70,000), which represents a 15-fold increase in the volume of initial submissions 
to be handled in a regular year. The 2018 peak registrations will generate additional work, mainly 
to process the incoming dossiers within the legal deadlines and to offer helpdesk support, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

particularly to SMEs, in the fields of assessment of the confidentiality requests in the dossiers and 
publication of information on ECHA website. In addition, ECHA started implementing in 2016 a 
manual verification of certain data requirements, such as substance identity, as part of the 
submission process, including a retroactive verification that existing registrations contain 
meaningful information and that the registrants registered jointly for the same substance. ECHA 
also expects to receive an increased number of appeals due to these developments. The above 
will consequently also increase the Agency’s human resource needs, including interim personnel. 
Our current estimations indicate that this could require approx. 30 interim staff, or contract 
agents, in 2017 and approx. 100 interim staff, or contract agents, in 2018. The level of industry 
activity, combined with survey work that we are undertaking, will give ECHA an even clearer 
picture of the workload as we approach 2018 and, thus, we may be able to revise the 
estimations. 

ECHA is also anticipating a steady increase related to handling data sharing disputes as well as 
providing adequate support to the substance information exchange forums (SIEFs), commencing 
in 2016 and, with a potential significant increase in inquiries for getting in contact with other 
registrants due to the termination of the pre-registration option in May 2017. This will have an 
important impact on the human resources requirements from mid-2017 onwards.  

In addition, the activity related to data analysis and demands from EU Authorities is expected to 
grow steadily until May 2018 and then increase with the sheer volume of dossiers which will be 
stored in ECHA databases. ECHA will enhance screening and prioritisation for subsequent 
evaluation and risk management work. As this will require additional IT-related support, ECHA 
continues to develop user friendly and simplified IT solutions and services.  

In 2015-2016, ECHA’s IT staff resources have been decreasing while facing an increase in activity 
in all areas. After 2016, given the number of systems and services in operation and maintenance, 
the resources required would only slightly reduce. In this context, to meet the target cuts and still 
sustain its portfolio, ECHA is progressing with the outsourcing of IT services. 

While ECHA’s evaluation activity is expected to remain relatively stable, certain existing tasks are 
expected to grow. The Compliance Check Strategy requires a more comprehensive evaluation of 
registrations in growing numbers. The follow-up of decisions will, in many cases, become more 
complex and also higher in numbers. Following the recent developments ECHA needs to intensify 
its role in assessing that the vertebrate animal testing is indeed used only as a last resort which is 
also increasing the workload.  

Existing tasks in the areas of screening substances for risk management, SVHC identification, 
development of the Annex XIV recommendation, restrictions and harmonised Classification and 
Labelling are likely to maintain stable or grow slightly. This is due to;  

(1) further implementation of the actions foreseen under the SVHC Roadmap  
(2) the fact that the fraction of complicated dossiers will increase (for example, Article 57(f) SVHC 
cases and CLH dossiers for PPPs/biocides), and  
(3) more support of ECHA is requested by Member States for coordination work (for example, 
screening/RMOA) and during preparation of risk management proposals (for example, 
restrictions).  

For applications for authorisations, a peak in workload is taking place in 2016 and will continue 
until mid-2017. This has created additional demands to provide the adequate scientific, technical 
and administrative support to enable the Committees to deliver opinions while maintaining the 
scientific and regulatory validity and respecting the legally binding deadlines. The workload is 
expected to reduce in 2018, facilitating some temporary resource reallocation before returning to 
capacity from 2019. 

There is an envisaged requirement for the CA positions (within the financial capacity of the 
Agency) that takes account of the expected high increase in workload for the 2018 registration 
deadline and the growth of the existing tasks outlined above. Although ECHA will also engage 
interim staff to process the registrations coming in for the 2018 deadline, the related guidance 
and regulatory advice, the invoicing process can only be handled by the statutory staff (that is, 

 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

CAs). It is to be noted that the additional CA posts for 2017 and 2018 will only be used if the 
volume of registrations and applications go beyond the current (conservative) estimated levels. 
ECHA expects that it will be requested by the Commission to carry out further work in support of 
the implementation of the circular economy package and the development of the strategy for a 
non-toxic environment as announced in the 7th Environment Action Programme. Furthermore, 
ECHA plans to increase its efforts in the area of encouraging and providing support to industry in 
their efforts in substituting SVHCs and other substances of concern, based on a strategy that will 
be developed in 2017.  

Resource outlook for Biocides regulation  

ECHA is in a difficult situation that stems from the fact that the Commission’s original financial 
model assumed that all ECHA’s activities on biocides would, in the medium term, be fully covered 
by fees. This fee income would then be used to cover the fee-related as well as the non-fee 
related work, where the latter now accounts for approximately 80% of our work. The EU subsidy 
was planned for the initial set-up period but would be reduced quickly assuming quickly rising fee 
income. 

It is anticipated that the foreseen increase of the workload in 2017, and beyond, requires 
additional resources. This increase results from the combination of a significantly higher number 
of applications to ECHA, and a large scale IT development project to complement the 
implementation of the legislation and additional activities requested by the Commission in relation 
to the renewal of the anticoagulant rodenticide active substances and the corresponding product 
authorisations.  

In the context of the development of criteria for endocrine-disrupting properties under the BPR 
the Commission has requested ECHA to start preparations for the (re)evaluation of the approvals 
of certain active substances vis-à-vis these new criteria, once they are adopted. Further 
discussion will be initiated on the additional resources that are necessary to ensure a successful 
execution of these important evaluations.  

Resource outlook for Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regulation  

For the PIC Regulation, relating to the export and import of hazardous chemicals, it is proposed to 
follow the legislative financial statement and the Commission Communication COM(2013)519 with 
respect to the number of TA posts for PIC tasks. However, it is to be noted that the number of 
notifications is 25% higher than initially estimated and, by end 2015, has already exceeded the 
estimated number for 2017. This requires additional interim support for handling the peak of 
notifications in Q4 of each year. 

Efficiency gains and negative priorities 

Starting from 2014, ECHA embarked on a process – ECHA 2020 – to take the existing and future 
resource and policy challenges as an opportunity to start shaping ECHA for the future. In 
considering this strategy, a number of activities have been identified as potentially decreasing in 
resource requirements over the planning period. 

For 2017, the changes in resource forecasts are reflected in Annex I. 

The overarching vision for ECHA is summarised as follows:  
• ECHA should function as a lean organisation focussed on delivering operational and impactful 
regulatory work within its mandate,  

• ECHA should demonstrate (even more than before) its added value to the European citizen, and  

• ECHA should be agile and ready to take on new tasks (should this be requested of the Agency).  

 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

The two guiding principles, from a resource allocation perspective, are as follows: 

• Proportionally more resources to be allocated to leaner, more efficient and better integrated 
operational activities based on clear priorities to achieve high and powerful impact  

• Horizontal support activities to operate in a leaner manner, delivering fit-for-purpose services. 

In practice, major process improvement opportunities are managed through Efficiency Projects 
which aim to address all major regulatory and support processes by 2018. Examples of such 
gains are the fast-tracking of the processing of testing proposals, the simplification of 
administrative processes such as payments and speaking requests and the re-organisaton of 
procurement into competence centres with the corresponding simplification of process steps. In 
addition to direct gains, the programme is supporting the growing need for more lean operations 
(including management practices) so that improvement will continue at operational, horizontal 
support and administrative level. 

It should also be noted that, in 2014, Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance awarded ECHA the ISO 
9001:2008 certificate. The scope of the current ISO 9001:2015 certification covers ECHA’s 
scientific, technical and administrative tasks under the REACH, CLP, and PIC regulations and the 
development of supporting IT applications. The certification confirms that ECHA’s management 
system conforms to internationally recognised good practice and it is anticipated that, through 
using the established quality management framework, ECHA will continue improving its work and 
working methods. 

Opportunities for redeployment 

ECHA will maintain its proactive approach to human resources management through internal 
redeployment, competency development and simplification of delivery modes. The waves of 
peaks in demand for certain activities, such as Registration and Authorisation, will be seen as 
opportunities to continue to actively promote redeployment, leveraging internal skills and 
increasing overall flexibility. 

ECHA will continue to carefully monitor the establishment plan and ensure good forward planning 
with respect to recruitment, mobility and promotions, including consideration of potential 
strategic conversions of posts (that is, a limited number of higher grades to lower grades after 
retirements or unplanned departures of experts) to maintain, and build, scientific capability, 
enhance overall organisational performance and optimise the utilisation of ECHA’s allocated 
human resources within the overall establishment plan.  

In particular, the retention of performing staff will be central to ECHA’s continued success. Key 
issues to be addressed during the period of this Plan include effective performance management; 
competency development; people development strategies and assignment of posts to priority 
areas. The appropriateness of ECHA’s organisation will also be reviewed, as needed. In addition, 
it is recognised that it will be a significant management challenge to proactively motivate staff in 
the achievement of our priorities in the face of increasing workload and decreasing resources. 

Conclusion on evolution of resources compared to the Commission Communication 
2014-2020 

ECHA is fully in line with the Commission Communication as regards the REACH and PIC posts. 
For Biocides posts, ECHA is slightly below the Commission Communication allocation of posts for 
2017, and is aligned for 2018 and 2019. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

III WORK PROGRAMME 2017 

Executive summary 

The fourth year of implementing ECHA’s five-year strategy, described in the Multi-Annual Work 
Programme (MAWP) 2014-2018, involves further pursuit of the four strategic objectives. These 
four objectives are complemented with specific support to SMEs as a growing proportion of these 
companies have imminent obligations under the four regulations managed by ECHA. 

1. Maximise the availability of high quality information to enable the safe 
manufacture and use of chemicals 

The year 2017 is crucial for the last registration deadline of phase-in substances in 2018. First-
time registrants will be encouraged to register their dossiers by using the new generation of 
ECHA’s IT tools for dossier preparation or submission and the updated guidance, presented in a 
step-wise approach under the REACH 2018 webpages, and where necessary using the support 
provided by ECHA or national helpdesks. For that purpose they will have had to share data in 
existing or newly created substance information exchange forums (SIEFs) or even taken the role 
of lead registrant, taking benefit of specific training courses to that effect, with emphasis on 
avoidance of unnecessary animal tests. Downstream users will be encouraged to contact their 
suppliers to ascertain their registration intentions and provide them with information on specific 
uses in harmonised formats. Companies will also be made aware of the deadline of 31 of May 
2017 for pre-registration for companies having joined the market in recent years and having to 
meet the 2018 registration deadline. As ECHA’s automated and manual screening of incoming 
dossiers may lead to rejection, ECHA will also be ready to support the affected registrants in 
clarifying the reasons for the rejection and in advising on how to complete the dossier 
comprehensively. 

Based on the updated Chemical Safety Report/Exposure Scenario (CSR/ES) Roadmap, ECHA will 
together with national authorities and industry stakeholders investigate how to stimulate the 
development and use of state-of-the-art Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) in the supply chains up to 
the production of articles. Attention will also be given to the compliance of notification obligations 
of importers of mixtures and articles as they may contain substances of very high concern. These 
efforts will contribute to the safer use of chemicals. 

After the release of the new dissemination platform early 2016 and the further improvements 
made over that year, ECHA will promote its use by industry, consumers, workers and researchers 
and set the framework for further extending its dissemination pages. 

In order to improve the safety information in registration dossiers and to facilitate identification of 
candidate substances for regulatory risk management measures, ECHA conducts compliance 
checks on the highest priority substances. In line with the strategy endorsed in 2014, the focus is 
on higher tier human health and environment endpoints in lead and individual dossiers for the 
tonnage bands over 100 tonnes. In addition, other measures, such as targeted letter campaigns 
to registrants whose dossiers show minor defects will contribute to better quality of the 
registration database. At the same time, ECHA will continue the examination of testing proposals, 
making sure that the testing is tailored to the real information needs and that registrants are able 
to justify eventual animal test as a last resort. 

2. Mobilise authorities to use information intelligently to identify and address 
chemicals of concern 

The integrated screening activities will identify substances of potential concern, which should 
either be addressed under compliance check, placed on the Community Rolling Action Plan 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

(CoRAP) for substance evaluation or addressed through specific assessment discussions, for 
instance with respect to their potential PBT or endocrine disrupting properties. When concerns are 
subsequently confirmed and the most appropriate option is identified through a risk management 
option analysis (RMOA), it is expected that the Member State concerned or the Commission will 
initiate the appropriate risk management measure. Thereby, the number of substances put 
forward for the Candidate List, or proposals for harmonised classification or restrictions would 
increase. It is also expected that a growing number of Member States will participate in these 
efforts. 

The high number of authorisation applications that arrived at the end of 2015 or in 2016 will 
continue to occupy the Secretariat as well as the Risk Assessment and Socio-economic Analysis 
Committees in 2017. The Commission’s Implementing Regulation introducing simplified rules for 
special cases as well as the changes to the fees for authorisation application should help in 
reducing the burden and costs for companies. Further efforts will be undertaken to promote the 
participation in the process of providers of alternative substances and techniques in order to 
stimulate substitution and innovation. 

ECHA will furthermore work on implementing the improvement actions in the application for 
authorisation (AfA) process following the discussion in the March 2016 meeting of the 
Management Board.  

3. Address the scientific challenges by serving as a hub for building scientific 
and regulatory capacity of Member States, European institutions and other 
actors 

ECHA will continue building up a systematic approach for further developing the scientific capacity 
in accordance with its science strategy defined in 2014, which outlined the areas that are most 
important from the regulatory decision-making perspective. 

ECHA will stimulate the adequate use of the scientific methods to justifiably replace the standard 
information requirements and in particular by drawing registrants’ attention to the Read-Across 
Assessment Framework (RAAF). ECHA will also publish a report on the regulatory applicability of 
alternative methods and approaches to promote an up to date assessment on the opportunities 
and limitations of alternatives to animal testing. 

After having updated its guidance on the REACH information requirements to better take into 
account the specific aspects of nanomaterials, ECHA will continue its activities to improve the 
quality of registration data for nanomaterials. As and when the Commission will modify the 
REACH annexes for the same purpose, further improvement of guidance will be unavoidable. 

On the basis of the criteria for identifying endocrine disrupters adopted by the Commission, ECHA 
will also need to develop relevant guidance, especially for biocides. ECHA will also more generally 
start to review its extensive guidance document package to identify needs for scientific updates. 

4. Embrace current and new legislative tasks efficiently and effectively, while 
adapting to upcoming resource constraints 

To achieve the ambitious targets of the Work Programme while at the same time decreasing staff 
resources, ECHA will continue to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. In 2017, the Agency will 
re-examine the architecture of its IT systems in order to further improve integration, serve both 
the industry and Member States better but also to reduce manual work in its internal processes. 
In the meantime, the current IT tools and systems require still additional investment so that the 
regulatory processes can be adequately supported. ECHA will also roll out new Cloud Services to 
the benefit of SMEs. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Regarding implementation of the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), ECHA will create efficiencies 
to support the preparation of decisions related to the review programme of active substances or 
applications that benefit from more appropriate fee levels following the Commission’s review of 
the fee regulation.  Thanks to the extra staff ECHA is receiving in 2017, ECHA should ultimately 
be able to meet the heavy workload of the fee- and non-fee-based activities of the BPR while 
constantly improving the IT tools that support industry and all involved authorities. 

Finally, ECHA will actively support the Commission in the review of the REACH and CLP 
regulations and the development of instruments that stimulate the circular economy.  

5. Provide specific support to SMEs 

Whilst ECHA’s communication, advice and assistance are relevant to all duty holders, the delivery 
of its services in 2017 will continue to have particularly SMEs in mind: 

• 

Implementation  of  the  2018  REACH  Registration  Roadmap  will  be  providing  support 
particularly to SME registrants. 

•  Deliverables  provided  by  ECHA  and  its  partners  in  2017  under  the  CSR/ES  Roadmap  will 

particularly support SMEs further down the supply chains. 

•  The further improvement of the dissemination web section will be designed to benefit SMEs 
to allow them to find information on the properties and state of regulatory oversight over 
chemical substances for which they may have obligations. 

•  ECHA  will  pay  specific  attention  to  help  SMEs  that  plan  to  submit  applications  for 
authorisation  under  REACH.  This  help  will  be  given  through  examples,  as  well  as  in  the 
workshops  and  Pre-Submission  Information  Sessions  to  ensure  that  SMEs  know  what 
information is required to apply for authorisations in a “fit-for-purpose” manner. 

•  ECHA’s communications’ activities on BPR, REACH and CLP obligations will particularly have 

SMEs and downstream users in mind – both in terms of content and format. 

•  ECHA  will  continue  its  efforts  to  provide  translations  of  guidance  and  other  relevant 

documents for SMEs in official EU languages, where appropriate. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

1. Operational activities 

1.1 REACH dossier management and assessment 

ECHA  provides  assistance  and  tools  to  companies  in  the  elaboration  and  submission  of  their 
registration dossiers via its regulatory advice, guidance and communication activities. The Agency 
processes  the  dossiers  and  assigns  registration  numbers  so  that  companies  can  manufacture, 
import or place their substances on the European market.  

ECHA  evaluates the substance identity, hazard, use and  exposure information as well as testing 
proposals submitted by companies to verify compliance and hereby improve the safety information 
and  thereby  risk  management  of  chemicals,  and  to  support  identification  of  candidates  for 
regulatory risk management measures. The Member States evaluate substances in order to clarify 
whether a given substance may pose a risk to human health or the environment.  

Enforcement  of  the  REACH  Regulation  is  the  responsibility  of  the  Member  States.  However,  the 
Forum  for  Exchange  of  Information  on  Enforcement  as  a  body  of  ECHA  constitutes  a  network 
involving Member State enforcement authorities for the purpose  of harmonising their approach to 
enforcement of REACH provisions. 

1.1.1 Registration dossier preparation  

Overview  

It is more cost effective to support companies while they are preparing their dossiers rather than 
asking for updating the dossier after the initial submission. Therefore, ECHA provides structured IT 
tools as well as extensive advice and assistance to industry to support them in fulfilling their legal 
obligations.  

To  support  companies  in  fulfilling  their  information  requirements,  the  Agency  provides  guidance 
and  contributes  actively  to  the  further  development  of  test  methods,  including  alternative  test 
methods  to  animal  testing,  and  the  use  of  weight  of  evidence.  ECHA  also  co-manages  the 
development of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Quantitative 
Structure-Activity  Relationship  (QSAR)  Toolbox  with  the  view  of  helping  companies  in  providing 
robust scientific justifications for the use of alternative methods and grouping of chemicals.  

The Agency provides IT systems for dossier preparation: IUCLID and ECHA Cloud Services for SMEs 
for preparing the registration dossier and Chesar, for carrying out the chemical safety assessment 
and preparing the chemical safety report and the exposure scenarios in the extended safety data 
sheets  (SDS).  Under  international  cooperation  activities  requested  by  the  Commission,  the 
submission formats and software, especially IUCLID, are developed in cooperation with the OECD 
to promote international harmonisation that may help companies to re-use their data under other 
regulatory regimes.  

To facilitate the joint registration, which is a legal obligation, the Agency provides scientific advice 
to  registrants  on  the  identification  of  their  substance  and  facilitates  data-sharing  by  putting 
registrants in contact via the inquiry process. It also decides on data-sharing disputes submitted to 
ECHA and gives access to data when appropriate.  

ECHA also informs key audiences in non-EU countries, in order to heighten their understanding of 
the EU chemicals safety regime and the information needs of EU duty holders. 

The  ECHA  Secretariat  supports  the  Forum  to  further  strengthen  and  harmonise  the  effective 
enforcement  of  the  data-sharing  decisions  in  the  EU/  European  Economic  Area  (EEA)  Member 
States. 

ECHA’s data-sharing decisions are appealable to the Board of Appeal and ECHA’s legal defence is 
provided by the Secretariat. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
47 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Workload driver estimates  

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Helpdesk questions received18 

NA19 

1 000 

2 800 

Inquiries concluded 

1 368 

1 600 

1 70020 

Access to data older than 12 years 

394 

320 

350 

Data-sharing disputes 

Decisions on data-sharing disputes 

Appeals on data-sharing decisions 

Key objective  

6 

4 

0 

20 

20 

1 

80 

70 

1 

Registrants, especially SMEs, have access to data, tools and guidance for preparing complete and 
compliant dossiers. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Implement  ECHA’s  REACH  2018  roadmap,  which  outlines  ECHA’s  plans  for  improving 
registration  process,  tools  and  support  for  the  last  registration  deadline  of  phase-in 
substances, in dialogue with industry stakeholders, Commission and national authorities and 
specifically:  

•  Monitor,  via  the  various  stakeholder  networks,  the  need  for  specific  support  for  SME 
registrants,  and  based  on  assessed  demand  arrange  e.g.  webinars,  best  practices  or 
workshops on specific issues. 

•  Provide advice to industry sectors that may face specific difficulties and develop registration 
guidelines suitable to their sector (similar to the essential oils sector in 2015-2016) with 
the aim of also improving data quality and compliance.  

•  Provide support to registrants and downstream users via the Agency’s SME Ambassador, 
in view of the expectation that companies will take their business decisions on continuing 
placing  specific  phase-in  substances  due  for  registration  in  2018  onto  the  market  only 
during 2017. 

•  To  further  facilitate  dossier  preparation  for SMEs  that  have  comparatively  less  technical 
resources  than  the  large  companies  do,  ECHA  intends  to  launch  a  centrally  hosted  and 
managed  Cloud  platform  that  will  be  accessible  on-line,  without  any  need  for  local 
installation and local data storage. According to this delivery model, companies will manage 

18 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to dossier preparation only. 
19 Not available for 2015 due to the change in the WP structure introduced from 2016 onwards. The total amount of questions 
received in 2015 for REACH, CLP, BPR and PIC (as well as respective IT tools) was 7 770. 
20 After May 2017 it is no longer possible to submit late pre-registrations. If the current trend observed in the number of 
late pre-registrations received (12.000 late pre-registrations/year) continues, the number of inquiries is likely to increase 
dramatically. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
48 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

their data and prepare their registration dossiers online, on an ECHA hosted and supported 
service. It is estimated that using this option the SMEs segment of the chemical Industry 
could save approximately 5.4 Million Euros per year. 

•  Improve the usability of IT tools for dossier preparation through releases of IUCLID and 

Chesar. 

•  Revise ECHA’s model for servicing users, to rely more on the national helpdesks as first 
point of contact particularly for SMEs to better cope with the presumably very high level of 
requests for end users’ support on the IT tools. Special training, second level support and 
dedicated IT environments for the national helpdesk will be considered in order to enable 
local support to the use of the IT tools. 

•  Intensify coordinated communication activities via various networks (such as the REACH 
Communicators’  network),  and  using  multiple  communication  channels  (online,  audio-
visual,  documentation,  events  and  social  media)  in  order  to  raise  awareness  among 
registrants.  

•  Support the fulfilment of information requirements 

•  Maintain  the  list  of  substances  for  which  there  is  evidence  that  one  or  more  Annex  III 
criteria might be met and in which case all information requirements according to Article 
12(1)(a) should be provided, unless evidence to the contrary is included in the registration 
dossier; provide support to registrants to make use of this list as needed.  

•  Encourage  downstream  users,  via  awareness  actions,  to  benefit  from  the  harmonised 
means  to  communicate  uses  for  registration  purposes,  and  registrants  to  document  the 
results of their chemical safety assessments in harmonised formats.   

•  Maintain  and  improve  tools  for  generating  and  communicating  use  and  exposure 
information  from  downstream  users  to  registrants,  and  promote  the  uptake  of  use  map 
packages by registrants for their 2018 registrations and updates. 

•  Promote  the  use  of  newly  released  QSAR  Toolbox  4.0  for  filling  data  gaps  in  2018 
registrations by giving trainings and publishing examples. Initiate the second part of the 
Phase III implementation of the QSAR Toolbox which includes both scientific and technical 
improvements. 

•  Keep the amendments of published guidance on information requirements for REACH, to a 
minimum, in line with the Guidance Moratorium of 2016, and limit them to those necessary 
to accommodate legal developments, to ensure as much guidance stability as possible in 
the  two  years  ahead  of  the  2018  REACH  registration  deadline.  At  the  same  time  start 
reviewing  the  potential  need  for  updating  the  guidance  to  scientific  developments  post 
2018. 

•  Promote Chesar and provide training to increase the number of users. Support to sectors 
for developing assessment inputs to registrants in Chesar format. Further development of 
the tool.  

•  ECHA  will  develop  a  strategy  on  the  future  development  of  exposure  estimation  tools  and 
their  relation  to  Chesar,  as  the  quality  of  the  CSA/CSR  are  to  some  extent  dependent  on 
them. The role of ECHA regarding these tools should be clarified. Future activities will depend 
on  the  decision  on  ECHA’s  role.Continue  communicating  about  correct  use  of  alternative 
methods and approaches to replace animal testing. Increase transparency of ECHA’s criteria 
and  judgements  in  accepting  or  rejecting  justifications  for  adapting  standard  information 
requirements and the use of weight of evidence. 

 
 
 
 
49 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

•  Report  on  the  alternatives  to  testing  on  animals  for  the  REACH  Regulation  (Article  117(3) 
report).  ECHA  will  also  publish  a  report  on  regulatory  applicability  of  alternative  and  non-
animal approaches. 

•  Continue  activities  of  the  Nanomaterials  Working  Group  including  the  organisation  of  two 

workshops. 

•  Pre-registration and SIEF management  

•  In order to optimise data sharing after closure of the possibility to pre-register mid 2017, 
adapt the inquiry process to be able to handle a large number of inquiries and ensure that 
potential new registrants of phase-in substances (newcomers on the European market) are 
put in contact with SIEF members of the last deadline.  

•  Manage the increasing number of data-sharing disputes arising from the reinforcement of 

the OSOR principle in REACH-IT.  

Performance indicators21 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Percentage  of 
timeframe (20 working days) 

inquiries  concluded  within  the  target 

92% 

80% 

80% 

(NEW)Effective working time of ECHA staff used per inquiry 
concluded 

NA 

NA 

1.8  –  2 
person 
days 

(NEW)Percentage of received data sharing disputes handled 
within relevant timeframes22 

NA 

NA 

100% 

(NEW)Effective  working  time  of  ECHA  staff  used  per  data 
sharing decision 

NA 

NA 

16  –  18 
person 
days 

(NEW)Percentage  of  ECHA    Helpdesk  questions  related  to 
dossier preparation, answered within established timeframe 
(15 working days) 

NA 

NA 

 90% 

Resources 

2015 
actual23 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Financial resources  (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

NA 

NA 

11 736 098 

12 330 283 

48 

49 

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission 

21 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA);  
22 Disputes for non-phase-in substances have a legal deadline of 1 month while disputes for phase-in substance do not have 

a legal deadline (only internal deadline of 40 working days) 

23 Work Programme 2015 followed a different activity structure to the one introduced for 2016 and followed throughout this 
programming document. Resources split according to the WP2015 activities is presented in the General Report 2015. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
50 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Overview  

The  Agency  processes  registration  dossiers,  requests  for  temporary  exemption  of  registration 
obligations  (Product  and  Process  Oriented  Research  and  Development  PPORD),  notifications  by 
producers  and  importers  of  substances  of  very  high  concern  contained  in  articles  and  reports 
submitted by downstream users.  

Before assigning the registration number, the Agency verifies the completeness of the information 
and  the  payment  of  the  registration  fee  in  order  to  ensure  that  all  the  elements  required  are 
included in the dossier and are meaningful. Once the registration decision has been adopted, the 
Agency verifies whether confidentiality requests introduced by the registrants in their dossiers are 
justified. It also checks the correctness of reductions granted to SMEs and of the level of fees paid 
to ECHA, and in case of abuse, may revoke the registration decision.  

The Agency assesses the PPORD notifications and may set conditions where it matters for safe use, 
after consultation with the member states competent authorities.   

ECHA’s registration decisions can be appealed and ECHA’s legal defence is submitted to the Board 
of Appeal by the Secretariat. 

To  support  the  submission  and  processing  of  the  dossiers,  the  Agency  develops  the  REACH-IT 
system which also provides a secure communication channel between all involved parties.  

The  ECHA  Secretariat  supports  the  Forum  to  further  strengthen  and  harmonise  the  effective 
enforcement of the registration obligations in the EU/EEA Member States. 

Workload driver estimates 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Registration dossiers received (including updates) 

8 243 

10 000 

13 000 

Confidentiality requests processed 

173 

390 

540 

PPORD  notifications  received  (including  requests 
extension) 

for 

247 

300 

300 

Helpdesk questions received24 

Decisions on completeness check (negative) 

Decisions on confidentiality requests (negative)  

Decisions on PPORD notifications 

Appeals submitted25 

NA 

41 

28 

40 

 1 

3 500 

2 000 

100 

260 

50 

50 

2 

65 

50 

2 

Key objective  

ECHA processes registrations in an efficient manner to ensure that companies get swift access to 
the market, while ensuring that their registration dossiers are complete (“no data, no market”).  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Process  an  increasing  number  of  registrations  (preliminary  estimates  up  to  ca.  7000  new 

24 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to dossier submission only. 
25 Calculated as a percentage of negative decisions, where the percentage is based on the historical data of actual negative 
decisions appealed against in 2011-2015  

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
51 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

registrations and 6000 updates).This may have an impact on the follow-up activities such as 
assessment  of  confidentiality  requests  and  SME  status  verification.  A  majority  of  the  new 
registrations are expected to be submitted for the 2018 deadline.  

•  Further  develop  the  process  and  support  for  manual  verification  of  completeness  of 
information  based  on  experience  gathered  in  2016,  also  targeting  retroactively  existing 
registrations to verify that the information provided is meaningful.  

•  Ensure  that  all  legacy  cases  of  registrations  submitted  outside  of  the  joint  registration  are 

addressed in 2017.  

•  Ensure the internal readiness of the IT tools and related IT services for handling the incoming 
peak of registration dossiers for the 2018 registration deadline; in particular those necessary 
for  users  access  management,  for  processing  dossiers,  inquiries  and confidentiality  claims, 
for invoicing and for reporting. 

•  As part of implementing ECHA’s  regulatory strategy, continue to stimulate dossier updates 
through the publication of the list of substances to be potentially addressed under compliance 
check, targeted letter campaigns e.g. to inform registrants that their dossiers may be targeted 
for dossier evaluation, verify the intermediate status of substances of very high concern, and 
other measures so that the quality of registration information is further enhanced.  

Performance indicators26 27 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Level  of  satisfaction  of  interested  parties  with  dossier 
submission and dissemination activities of ECHA 

High 

High 

High 

(NEW)Unplanned 
preventing 
system 
submission  within  service  hours  (average  of  related  IT 
systems, per month) 

downtime 

IT 

NA 

NA 

2% 

(NEW)Average time (working days) to manually perform the 
first completeness check of a registration dossier 

NA 

NA 

15 days 

(NEW)Effective  working  time  of  ECHA  staff  used  per 
processed registration dossier (incl. updates) 

NA 

NA 

0.6  –  0.65 
person 
days 

(NEW)Percentage  of  ECHA    Helpdesk  questions  related  to 
dossier submission and substance identity, answered within 
established timeframe (15 working days). 

NA 

NA 

90% 

Resources 

2015  actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

26 To measure ECHA’s performance as perceived by its internal and external stakeholders and to assess their satisfaction 
with ECHA’s services the Agency conducts a survey at the end of each year. The stakeholder survey is sent out in several 
parts addressing different groups of customers and different types of ECHA’s activities. The average of the results for all 
satisfaction questions (e.g. How satisfied are you with…?) for a given activity constitute the annual satisfaction rate per 
activity which then constitutes the result of each performance indicator related to satisfaction level. A high satisfaction 
rate is reached when satisfaction is 75% or higher, a medium satisfaction rate is reached when it is 50% or higher and a 
low rate is given when the result is below 50%. This methodology applies to all performance indicators measuring 
satisfaction throughout the Work Programme 2017  
27 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA);  

 
 
 
 
 
                                           
52 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Financial resources  (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

NA 

NA 

9 256 352 

9 564 452 

43 

42 

1.1.3 Evaluation 

Overview  

Once  the  substances  are  registered  ECHA  conducts  compliance  checks  on  a  proportion  of 
registration dossiers to examine whether they are in compliance with the information requirements 
of  the  REACH  Regulation.  Moreover,  testing  proposals  included  in  the  registration  dossiers  are 
examined to make sure that the generation of information on a given substance is tailored to real 
information needs and that unnecessary animal testing is avoided. After the final decision, follow-
up evaluation continues to assess the adequacy of the submitted information in response to ECHA 
dossier evaluation decisions and to flag substances for further action. 

ECHA coordinates and supports the substance evaluation which is performed by the Member State 
competent  authorities  (MSCAs)  to  clarify  potential  concerns,  and  involves  an  assessment  of  all 
available  information.  It  may  also  lead  to  requests  for  further  information  from  registrants,  if 
appropriate. The starting point for substance evaluation is the annually updated Community rolling 
action plan (CoRAP) for substances subject to substance evaluation.  

ECHA  Member  State  Committee  (MSC)  participates  in  the  evaluation  decision-making  on  cases 
where MSCAs or, in case of substance evaluation, the ECHA Secretariat have proposed amendments 
to  draft  decisions  prepared  either  by  the  ECHA  Secretariat  or  a  MSCA.  The  ECHA  Secretariat 
supports the MSC to ensure high efficiency and quality of outputs. The ECHA Secretariat supports 
the  Forum  to  further  strengthen  and  harmonise  the  effective  enforcement  of  the  evaluation 
decisions in the EU/EEA Member States.  

ECHA’s dossier evaluation and substance  evaluation decisions can be  appealed and ECHA’s legal 
defence is submitted to the Board of Appeal by the Secretariat. 

Workload driver estimates  

Draft decisions on testing proposals 

Final decisions on testing proposals 

Compliance checks concluded  

Final decisions on compliance checks 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

139 

194 

183 

144 

300 

250 

200 

180 

70 

150 

220 

180 

Follow-up evaluations on dossier evaluation decisions 
concluded 

268 

350 

330 

Number of substances on the CoRAP list to be evaluated by 
the MSs28 

48 

39 

24 

28 The declining trend in the number of substances under substance evaluation is mainly due to the refined interplay between 
substance evaluation and compliance check, i.e. more substances are first addressed under compliance check also for 
the endpoints relevant for the substance evaluation. This temporary trend is expected to turn in 2018. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Final decisions on substance evaluation  

Appeals submitted 

Helpdesk questions received29 

29 

21 

NA 

30 

23 

30 

23 

150 

750 

Key objective 

ECHA identifies and addresses, in an efficient manner, non-compliant registrations for substances 
where it matters most for risk management. ECHA identifies and addresses, in an efficient manner, 
substances where additional information may be needed to clarify concerns of importance for risk 
management.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Continue compliance checks addressing relevant higher tier hazard endpoints for substances 
of  potential  concern  over  1000  tn  dossiers  and  100-1000  tn  dossiers,  in  line  with  the 
regulatory strategy set in 2015. The selection of dossiers for compliance check will continue 
to be based on the common screening that also serves substance evaluation and regulatory 
risk management. 

•  Address 2-3 selected groups of priority substances on which registrants are using read-across 
or grouping approaches for the key endpoints and initiate informal interaction to try out how 
to  most  effectively  address  such  groups  of  substances  and  dossiers  and  ensure  their 
compliance with information requirements.  

•  Continue providing improved visibility to content and outcome of compliance checks through 
the  dissemination  platform  and  the  improved  annual  evaluation  report  (Article  54)  as  an 
important part of implementation of the compliance check strategy.  

•  Examine any testing proposals within the set legal deadlines, giving priority to non-phase-in 
testing proposals and to the resubmitted 2010 testing proposals for reproduction toxicity.  

•  In line with the follow-up evaluation approach reviewed in 2016 and agreed with the Member 
States,  examine  any  information  submitted  in  consequence  of  ECHA’s  dossier  evaluation 
decisions and communicate to the Commission and Member States the information obtained 
and any conclusions made as well as inform the concerned national authorities in case no or 
not sufficient information is submitted. Where appropriate, draft follow-up decisions. Ensure 
that, where relevant, the information obtained and any conclusions made are fed back into 
screening and regulatory risk management processes. 

•  Ensure, together with Member States, that substance evaluation supports and contributes to 
the regulatory risk management processes in an effective and efficient manner based on the 
review of the process in 2015. This entails the effective interplay with dossier evaluation and 
risk management processes in the annual CoRAP updating and ECHA’s seamless coordination 
of and support to substance evaluation decision-making and conclusion.   

•  Continue addressing the lack of information on the safe use of substances in nanoforms under 

both dossier and substance evaluation. 

•  Complete  the  full  migration  and  decommissioning  of  case  management  tool  for  dossier 
evaluation (ECM-DEP) depending on the outcomes of its migration to Dynamic Case initiated 

29 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to evaluation only. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
54 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

in 2016.  

Performance indicators30 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Level of satisfaction of MSCAs with ECHA’s coordination and 
support to substance evaluation. 

High 

High 

High 

Level of satisfaction of MSC members and stakeholder 
observers with the quality of the scientific, technical and 
regulatory support provided by the ECHA Secretariat 

High 

High 

High 

Percentage of unanimous MSC agreements on evaluation 
decisions 

NA31 

80% 

80% 

(NEW)Percentage of concluded Compliance checks (draft 
decision sent or closed with no action) addressing the 
relevant higher tier hazard endpoint as portion of all 
concluded compliance checks in a year 

(NEW)Effective working time of ECHA staff used per final 
dossier evaluation output 

(NEW)Percentage of Follow-up evaluations performed 
within 6 months from the deadline set in a Decision (TPE 
and CCH)  

(NEW)Percentage of substance evaluation decisions 
adopted within 60 days from the MSCA/MSC agreement 

(NEW)Percentage of ECHA  Helpdesk questions related to 
evaluation, answered within established timeframe (15 
working days) 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

≥75% 

NA 

25 – 28 
person 
days 

NA 

90% 

NA 

90% 

NA 

 90% 

Resources 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Financial resources  (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

NA 

NA 

18 947 311 

17 874 662 

106 

106 

1.1.4 Communication of risk management advice through the supply chain  

Overview  

ECHA supports registrants and downstream users in the development (and application) of tools and 
communication processes to ensure that meaningful information on uses and conditions of safe use 
is communicated up and down the supply chain. Support is particularly provided through regulatory 
advice,  HelpNet,  communications  and  guidance  activities  as  well  as  the  Exchange  Network  on 

30 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA);  
31 Not available for 2015 due to the change in the WP structure introduced from 2016 onward.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Exposure  Scenarios  (ENES).  This  activity  corresponds  to  the  commitments  of  ECHA  under  the 
Chemical safety report / Exposure scenarios Roadmap (CSR/ES Roadmap32).  It is also linked with 
ECHA’s actions related to Registration dossier preparation (Activity 1.1.1) as the communication up 
the supply chain has a direct impact on the fulfilment of the information requirements. 

Workload driver estimates 

Number of events organised with industry to improve the 
uptake of Roadmap products 

Helpdesk questions received33 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

NA 

5 

100 

200 

Key objective 

ECHA  facilitates  the  generation  and  communication  of  information  on  uses,  exposure  and  risk 
management up and down the supply chain so that an  effective  cycle  of information to manage 
risks from chemicals is created. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Subject to the outcome of the evaluation of the CSR/SE Roadmap and ENES activities carried 
out  in  2016,  support  downstream  user  industry’s  utilisation  of  tools,  formats  and 
methodologies developed under the CSR/ES Roadmap. Specifically, promote development of 
use maps in new downstream user sectors.  

•  Provide targeted support for downstream users to support their adoption and uptake of the 

risk reduction measures in REACH exposure scenarios.  

•  Support to enforcement authorities, including support to the operational phase of the Forum’s 
fifth  harmonised  enforcement  project  (REF-5)  on  extended  safety  data  sheets,  exposure 
scenarios, risk management measures and operational conditions. 

•  Continue to broaden the exemplification of REACH information useful/needed to comply with 

other legislation, and the benefits of REACH. 

•  Further  promote  companies’  awareness  of  their  obligations  for  sharing  information  in  the 
supply chain through communication activities based on a set of downstream user-oriented 
information  material  published  on  the  ECHA  website  in  2016.  This  may  trigger  a  certain 
increase also in questions to the  ECHA and national helpdesks during the subsequent year 
that the HelpNet will need to address. 

Performance indicators34 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

32 CSR/ES Roadmap link 
33 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to communication of risk management advice through the supply chain 

only. 

34 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Level of satisfaction of the interested parties with the 
quality of the support provided by the ECHA secretariat in 
the area of supply chain communication 

High 

High 

High 

(NEW)Percentage of ECHA Helpdesk questions related to 
communication of risk management advice through the 
supply chain, answered within established timeframe (15 
working days) 

NA 

NA 

 90% 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

1.2 Risk management  

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

2 996 515 

3 036 807 

17 

16 

ECHA supports the implementation of the  restrictions and authorisation titles under REACH. The 
authorisation procedure aims to assure that the risks from substances of very high concern (SVHCs) 
are  properly  controlled  and  that  these  substances  are  progressively  replaced  by  suitable 
alternatives while ensuring the functioning of the EU’s internal market. Restrictions are designed 
to address unacceptable risks from chemicals at the EU level. They limit or ban the manufacture, 
placing  on  the  market  or  use  of  certain  substances  within  the  EU.  ECHA  provides,  through  its 
Committees  for  Risk  Assessment  (RAC)  and  Socio-economic  Analysis  (SEAC),  opinions  for  the 
European Commission on authorisation applications and on proposals for restrictions.  

The CLP Regulation ensures that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to 
workers and consumers in the EU through classification and labelling of chemicals. ECHA provides, 
through RAC, opinions for the European Commission on proposals for harmonised classification and 
labelling of substances. ECHA maintains a Classification and Labelling Inventory and manages the 
process  with  regard  to  harmonised  classifications.  It  also  decides  on  alternative  name  requests 
where a company wishes to keep the real name of a substance used in a mixture confidential. 

ECHA keeps duty holders and national helpdesks updated on developments via its communications, 
regulatory advice, HelpNet and guidance activities.  

ECHA will continue its contacts with peer agencies in Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States 
of  America  to  exchange  knowledge  and  experience  particularly  on  risk  identification  and  risk 
management topics. 

1.2.1 Identifying needs for Regulatory Risk Management  

Overview  

ECHA’s  strategic  objective  2  calls  for  intelligent  use  of  REACH  and  CLP  data  to  ensure  that 
authorities are able to timely and efficiently address the substances of highest concern. To this end, 
ECHA  implements  common  screening  approaches  for  all  REACH  and  CLP  processes,  including 
evaluation,  to  identify  the  substances  and  uses  that  matter  the  most.  These  processes  should 
eventually as well enable the identification of substances that have no or low priority for further 
regulatory action.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

The risk management option analysis (RMOA) framework supports selection of the most appropriate 
regulatory  risk  management  instrument(s)  to  address  the  identified  concerns.  In  line  with  the 
intentions of the SVHC roadmap to 2020 the common screening approaches and RMOA together 
aim to ensure an efficient and integrated use  of the REACH and CLP processes  for clarifying, by 
further data generation where needed, and addressing the identified concerns. 

Workload driver estimates 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Upon request by the Commission, support provided for the 
development of RMO analyses and/or SVHC dossiers 

Number of expert and coordination meetings (incl RiME) 

4 

9 

5 

9 

5 

9 

Key objective 

Early identification and improved prioritisation of substances with highest concerns of importance 
for risk management, is provided, and the preferred REACH or CLP or other regulatory process to 
confirm and address the identified concerns is indicated. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Adapt  common  screening  methods  to  address  newly  registered  substances  with  lower 
information levels, including complementary approaches, using other than REACH/CLP data 
as its basis.  

•  Ensure maturity of the common screening approach for all REACH/CLP processes with the 
focus on enhancing its use (e.g. initiating the CLH process for substances that matter) and 
improving the system based on lessons learned.   

•  Use  the  RMOA  approach  to  identify  appropriate  risk  management  needs  based  on  the 
information generated through CCH and SEv and their respective follow-up, leading up to 
development of a ‘common follow-up approach’. 

•  Continue  preparation  of  RMOA’s,  upon  request  by  the  Commission,  and  providing 
coordination  and  support  to  Member  States  in  their  preparation.  Ensure  well-functioning 
informal assessment of PBT and ED properties. Adapt as needed guidance and advice on ED 
identification based on the criteria set out by the Commission. 

•  Continue developing article service-life exposure assessment approaches based on the gap 
analysis  done  in  2016  and  supporting  industry  in  improving  service-life  parts  of  their 
CSA/ESs thus using REACH data to contribute to the implementation of circular economy. 
Moreover, explore further how CSAs and ESs can cover the waste stage.   

•  Maintain high level of efforts for co-operation and co-ordination with all authorities of the 
work  on  SVHC  roadmap  implementation  and  beyond.  Effective  use  of  a  combination  of 
meetings, including RiME and concern related expert and co-ordination groups, and IT tools. 
The  implementation  of  the  approach  used  for  the  petroleum  and  coal  stream  sector  is 
integrated to the extent necessary into the other co-operation work. 

•  Continue the review of the SVHC roadmap implementation initiated in 2016 and report as 
part  of  the  annual  report  on  the  first  elements  of  this  review  (relevance  of  impurities, 
sensitisers). Progress the review of other elements together with Member States Competent 
Authorities. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

•  Develop  the  third  SVHC  roadmap  progress  report  and  identify  actions  for  further 

improvement. 

•  Continue updating the information on ECHA’s website on screening and assessments thus 
providing industry with better predictability on which substances will be under authorities’ 
attention and consequently allowing more time to plan for substitution and improving safety.  

Performance indicators35 

Level of satisfaction of Commission, MSCAs, ECHA 
Committees, industry, NGOs and other interested parties 
with the quality of the scientific, technical and 
administrative support provided by the ECHA Secretariat 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

High 

High 

High 

(NEW)Effective working time of ECHA staff used per SVHC 
dossier 

NA 

NA 

38 – 47 
person 
days 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

2 961 639 

3 143 386 

17 

16 

1.2.2 Authorisation 

Overview  

ECHA regularly updates the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) based on 
the proposals for identifying SVHCs provided by Member States or by ECHA, based on requests by 
the Commission. Where necessary, the identification of SVHCs includes agreement seeking in MSC. 

Using  an  agreed  prioritisation  approach,  ECHA  assesses  annually  the  priority  scores  for  all  the 
substances  included  on  the  Candidate  List  to  decide  which  ones  should  be  recommended  for 
inclusion in the Authorisation List as a priority, taking into account the opinion of the MSC. 

The ECHA Secretariat supports RAC and SEAC, and in particular their rapporteurs, to develop high 
quality  opinions  on  applications  for  authorisation  in  a  transparent  and  efficient  manner  that  can 
effectively support the Commission’s decision-making on granting or refusing an authorisation. 

ECHA  actively  promotes  the  participation  of  third  parties  in  the  consultation  process  for  each 
application for authorisation to make sure that appropriate information on alternative substances 
or techniques, if available, will be fed into the opinion-making process. 

ECHA provides support particularly to potential applicants by providing regulatory advice and by 
engaging the national REACH helpdesks as well as its communications.  

Workload driver estimates  

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

35 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA); 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Number of proposals for identifying SVHCs36 

Recommendation for inclusion of substances in the 
authorisation list. 

Number of received Applications for authorisation 

9 

1 

7 

RAC & SEAC opinions1) on applications for authorisation 

25 

20 

1 

60 

60 

15 

037 

5 

40 

Helpdesk questions received38 

NA 

300 

650 

1)  One opinion refers to a compiled version of the final opinions of RAC and SEAC for each use 

Key objective 

ECHA  efficiently  produces  updates  of  the  Candidate  List,  recommendations  for  inclusion  of 
substances in the Authorisation List and opinions  on  authorisation applications of high scientific, 
technical and regulatory quality.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Handle the increased workload on SVHC dossiers, in particular those pertaining to PBTs, EDs 
and other substances of equivalent concern by ensuring involvement of the relevant expert 
groups, and sufficient capacity of the MSC. 

•  Continue to raise awareness of and support the implementation of obligations to communicate 
in  the  supply  chains  and  to  notify  to  ECHA  SVHCs  in  articles.  This  work  will  in  particular 
consider the update of the Guidance on requirements for substances in articles launched in 
2016, which will be based on the court judgement on the 0,1 % limit and experiences so far.   

•  Implement  a  further  streamlined  and  focussed  application  process  taking  account  of  the 
experience gained, including the “Lessons Learnt” conference and “Streamlined Applications” 
workshop held in 2015, as well as the recommendations of the “Task Force on Applications 
for Authorisation”, possibly indicating good examples of applications. 

•  Establish  the  “reference”  DNELs  and  dose-response  relationships  for  substances  that  have 

been placed on the Authorisation List in 2016. 

•  Continue  to  improve  and  adapt  communication  through  ECHA’s  website  to  facilitate  the 

preparation of “fit-for-purpose” applications for authorisation. 

•  Conclude the work related to applications, mostly relating to the use of chromium compounds, 
submitted  in  the  end  of  2015  and  early  2016,  including  the  opinion  forming  by  ECHA’s  
Committees  for  Risk  Assessment  and  Socio-economic  Analysis  and  the  support  to  the 
Commission in finalising the commission implementing decisions.  

36 The expected number of proposals for identification of SVHCs stems from the extrapolation of yearly consultation with 
the Member States Competent Authorities on their plans for developing such dossiers and adjusted by intelligence from the 
processes 
37 Due to the 15-16 months planning cycle for the development of the Annex XIV recommendation the 8th recommendation 
will be sent to the Commission only in January 2018. Work to prepare this recommendation takes place during 2017 and 
has already started in 2016.     
38 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to authorisation only. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

•  Organise with the Commission a second “Lessons Learnt”   conference 

the 
experience gained in particular with the applications on the use of chromium compounds and 
based on its outcome establish the necessary follow-up actions. 

based 

on 

•  Ensure  full  availability  of  information  about  notifications  of  companies  covered  by  the 

authorisation decisions to enforcement authorities in the Portal Dashboard - NEA.  

•  Publish the report from Forum’s second pilot project on authorisation-related obligations. 

•  Develop  a  strategy  on  how  to  further  encourage  and  support  industry  in  their  efforts  in 

substituting SVHCs and other substances of concern. 

•  Contribute to a feasibility study  on the different systems in place for tracking of chemicals 

from article production and import through the service-life until waste and recovery.  

•  First draft developed of a framework to carry out Socio-economic assessments of recycling 

and waste recovery practices 

•  Initiate and prepare a Forum pilot project on substances in articles    

Performance indicators39 

Level of satisfaction of Commission, MSCAs, ECHA 
Committees, industry, NGOs and other interested parties 
with the quality of the scientific, technical and 
administrative support provided by the ECHA Secretariat 

(NEW)Average time to deliver an opinion on an application 
for authorisation 

(NEW)Effective working time of ECHA staff used per 
authorisation opinion 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

High 

High 

High 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

13 months 

38 – 46 
person 
days 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

1.2.3 Restrictions  

Overview  

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

5 830 893 

5 544 310 

33 

31 

Following  the  European  Commission's  requests,  ECHA  prepares  Annex  XV  restriction  dossiers, 
reviews existing Annex XVII entries and investigates the need to prepare a restriction proposal. 

The  ECHA  Secretariat  provides  scientific,  technical  and  administrative  support  to  RAC  and  SEAC 
and their rapporteurs for the development of opinions on the restriction proposals by Member States 
or ECHA. In parallel, the Forum provides advice on the enforceability of these proposed restrictions. 

Article  69(2)  of  REACH  requires  ECHA  to  prepare  restriction  dossiers  for  articles  that  include 

39 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA);  

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

substances that are on the Authorisation List and pose a risk that is not adequately controlled. 

ECHA  supports  Member  State  enforcement  authorities  and  helpdesks,  and  continues  to  improve 
the accessibility and readability of the table on its website containing the list of restrictions in Annex 
XVII.  In  addition,  ECHA  answers  questions  relating  to  interpretation  and  enforcement  of  the 
restrictions. 

Workload driver estimates  

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Restriction proposals submitted by MS and ECHA (Annex 
XV) 

Annex XV restriction dossiers (or preparatory reports) 
prepared on request by the Commission 

Restriction proposals or reports developed under Article 
69(2) 

RAC & SEAC opinions1) on restriction proposals 

4 

2 

2 

6 

10 

240 

2 

7 

6 

541 

1 

4 

Helpdesk questions received42 

NA 

100 

600 

1)  One opinion includes both the opinion of RAC and SEAC 

Key objective 

ECHA produces high quality Annex XV restriction proposals or reports and efficiently produces 
opinions of high scientific, technical and regulatory quality on restriction proposals.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Provide support to the Member States during their preparation of restriction dossiers, e.g. in 
the  Pre-Restriction  Information  Meetings  and  continue  to  improve  the  efficiency  of  the 
process.  

•  Initiate  further  development  of  methodologies  (including  valuation)  for  carrying  out  socio-

economic analysis. 

•  Further  develop  and  implement  a  capacity  building  programme  for  Member  States  and 
members of the SEA Committee on regulatory impact assessment, in particular on methods 
used in socio-economic analysis. 

•  Report from the Forum’s fourth coordinated enforcement project on restrictions (REF-4) 

Performance indicators43 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

40   Commission request to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier on lead stabilisers used in PVC and in addition prepare 

preliminary reports on formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers. 

41   Commission request to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier on i) lead in shot in wetlands, ii) chemicals used in 

tattoo inks and in addition prepare preliminary reports on a) substances in recycled rubber granules, b) Bisphenol S in 
thermal paper and c) cadmium in recycled plastics (preparation for a review). More details in 
http://echa.europa.eu/addressing-chemicals-of-concern/restriction/echas-activities-on-restrictions/current-activites-
on-restrictions. Additional requests are possible for 2017. 

42 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to restrictions only. 
43 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA);  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Level of satisfaction of Commission, MSCAs, ECHA 
Committees, industry, NGOs and other interested parties 
with the quality of the scientific, technical and 
administrative support provided by the ECHA Secretariat 

(NEW)Average time to deliver an opinion on a Restriction 
proposal 

(NEW)Effective working time of ECHA staff used per 
restrictions opinion 

High 

High 

High 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

15 months 

200 – 255 
person 
days 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

3 274 879 

3 454 427 

17 

16 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

Overview  

The  classification  of  carcinogenic,  mutagenic  and  reprotoxic  (CMR)  substances,  as  well  as  for 
respiratory  sensitisers,  is  normally  harmonised  at  EU  level.  ECHA  supports  this  process  and 
develops opinions of its Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) on the proposals submitted by the 
Member States. 

ECHA maintains a database of all notifications of substances in the C&L Inventory.  

In  certain  cases,  manufacturers,  importers  and  downstream  users  can  request  the  use  of  an 
alternative  chemical  name  to  keep  the  precise  name  of  certain  ingredients  in  their  mixtures 
confidential.  

ECHA provides support to duty holders and national helpdesks via its support activities, including a 
CLP HelpNet workshop. 

Workload driver estimates 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Proposals for harmonised classification and labelling  

RAC opinions on proposals for harmonised classification and 
labelling 

Alternative name requests 

56 

38 

38 

60 

55 

100 

70 

40 

50 

Helpdesk questions received44 

360 

250 

250 

Key objective 

44 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to classification and labelling only. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

ECHA efficiently produces opinions of high scientific, technical and regulatory quality on proposals 
for harmonised classification and promotes the harmonisation of self-classifications included in the 
CLP inventory.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Aim to reduce the overlapping work for the CLH process with the assessment processes for 
pesticides  and  biocides  in  MSCAs,  committees  and  agencies  by  further  development  and 
support  to  the  use  of  integrated  assessment  templates  to  reduce  the  workload  of  dossier 
submitters and increase efficiency of the processes.  

•  Efficiently  manage  the  development  of  CLH  opinions  for  biocides  and  pesticides,  which  are 
expected to increase in number in the coming years. The selection of industrial chemicals is 
based, to an increasing extent, on common screening. 

•  Publish updates to the  guidance on the application of the CLP  criteria  and on labelling and 
packaging in accordance with CLP to take into account the 8th Adaptation to Progress (ATP) 
of the CLP Regulation during 2017. 

•  Update CLP guidance, as necessary, to reflect changes in information requirement. Depending 
on the  further  clarification of the applicability and development of the  test methods,  ECHA 
will work on the use of bioelution in C&L, with the aim of publication of new guidance during 
2018.  

•  Develop support on the use of read-across in CLP based on work done in 2016.  

•  Continue monitoring the convergence of self-classifications and where appropriate carry out 
focussed actions encouraging industry to agree on classifications and to update notifications 
accordingly. 

•  Provide  scientific  and  technical  support  to  the  European  Commission  in  the  context  of  the 
further  development  of  the  United  Nations  Global  Harmonised  System  of  classification  and 
labelling of chemicals (UNGHS).Continue to raise awareness amongst the public of the CLP 
pictograms.  The  European  Commission  intends  to  include  questions  on  the  use  and 
recognition of CLP pictograms and understanding cautionary statements into a Eurobarometer 
study to be launched in late 2016, and the Agency will adapt its communication to the public 
on these matters in accordance with the survey’s results.  

•  ECHA’s HelpNet Secretariat will again organise a HelpNet CLP workshop which will, inter alia, 

address typical industry questions on practical labelling challenges.  

•  Support the implementation and collection of results from the Forum’s pilot project on CLP 

addressing internet sales of chemicals 

Performance indicators45 

Level of satisfaction of Commission, MSCAs, ECHA 
Committees, industry, NGOs and other interested parties 
with the quality of the scientific, technical and 
administrative support provided by the ECHA Secretariat 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

High 

High 

High 

(NEW)Average time to deliver an opinion on a CLH proposal 

NA 

NA 

10 months 

45 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA); 

 
 
 
 
 
                                           
64 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

(NEW)Effective working time of ECHA staff used per CLH 
opinion 

(NEW)Percentage of ECHA Helpdesk question related to 
C&L, answered within the established timeframe (15 
working days) 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

45 – 55 
person 
days 

 90% 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

4 071 679 

4 446 081 

23 

23 

1.3 Biocides 

The  Biocidal  Products  Regulation  (BPR)  concerns  the  placing  on  the  market  and  use  of  biocidal 
active substances and products. These are typically used to protect humans, animals, materials or 
articles  against  harmful  organisms,  like  pests  or  bacteria,  through  the  action  of  the  active 
substances contained in the biocidal product. ECHA delivers, via its Biocidal Products Committee 
(BPC),  opinions  for  the  European  Commission  to  support  decision-making  on  biocidal  active 
substances and products. ECHA is not only coordinating the evaluation of active  substances and 
the Union wide authorisation of biocidal products but is also the central hub for all national and EU 
applications,  establishment  of  technical  equivalence,  assessment  of  applications  for  alternative 
suppliers,  resolution  of  data  sharing  disputes,  dissemination,  preparation  of  guidance,  and 
communication. ECHA keeps duty holders and national authorities abreast with developments via 
its communications, Helpdesk and HelpNet activities. 

Overview  

ECHA  provides  support  to  the  preparation  of  BPC  opinions  on  active  substances,  Union 
authorisations of biocidal product as well as on scientific or technical matters  concerning mutual 
recognition or at the request of the Commission or of Member States’ competent authorities. 

In addition, support is provided to the Biocidal Products Committee and its working groups in the 
harmonisation of risk assessment approaches and preparation of emission scenario documents and 
guidance. 

ECHA  processes  the  applications  for  data  sharing  (inquiries  and  data  sharing  disputes)  and  for 
technical equivalence.  

Advice is provided to duty holders as well as information and training for national BPR helpdesks 
via HelpNet.  

ECHA  performs  the  evaluations  and  public  consultations  defined  in  the  biocides  legislation  and 
manages the participation to the Review Programme and the Article 95 list. 

In close collaboration with Member States and stakeholders ECHA works on the further development 
of the IT tools (in particular the Register for Biocidal Products (R4BP) 3 and the Summary of Product 
Characteristics  (SPC)  editor)  in  order  to  progress  towards  a  more  efficient  and  comprehensive 
implementation of the biocides legislation. 

Some  of  ECHA’s  decisions  are  appealable  to  the  Board  of  Appeal  and  ECHA’s  legal  defence  is 
provided  by  the  Secretariat.  Some  decisions  can  only  be  challenged  in  the  General  Court  where 
ECHA’s legal defence is also provided by the Secretariat. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
65 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Workload driver estimates  

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Opinions on active substances approval (under the Review 
programme) 

49 

Biocides Inquiries received 

Biocides Data sharing disputes 

Applications for new active substance approval 

Applications for renewal or review of active substances 

152 

9 

9 

7 

Applications for Union authorisation for biocidal products 

11 

Applications for active substance suppliers (Article 95) 

197 

Assessment of technical equivalence 

26 

50 

50 

5 

23 

0 

8 

35 

30 

50 

50 

5 

8 

2 

37 

25 

37 

Submissions to Member States 

3 631 

3 000 

3 000 

Appeals submitted 

4 

1 

3 

Helpdesk questions received46 

922 

750 

3 000 

Key objective 

ECHA produces decisions/opinions of high scientific, technical and regulatory quality on the use of 
biocidal active substances and products.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Implement  further  measures  to  increase  the  efficiency  of  the  active  substance  approval 
process  and  the  Review  Programme  based  on  the  outcome  of  the  workshop  with  Member 
States that took place in 2015 and subsequent discussions in 2016.  

•  Support  the  Member  States  Competent  Authorities  for  the  preparation  of  BPC  opinions  on 

active substances. 

•  Start preparations for the (re)evaluation of the approvals of certain active substances vis-à-

vis the new criteria for endrocrine disruptors, once they are adopted. 

•  Support the preparation of the first BPC opinions on Union authorisation of biocidal products 
with a special emphasis on the efficiency of the opinion forming process and the coordination 
between Member States Competent Authorities dealing with related applications.  

46 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to Biocides only. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

•  Evaluate the new applications for inclusion in the Article 95 list. 

•  Further develop the Register for Biocidal Products (R4BP 3),) and the SPC editor, in order to 

progress towards the comprehensive implementation of the biocides legislation. 

•  Publish  updates  to  the  Guidance  on  the  Biocidal  Products  Regulation:  new  guidance  on 

Volumes I, II, III & IV, Part C, Evaluation. 

•  Continue and finalise the European comparative assessment of biocidal products containing 

anticoagulant rodenticides active substances). 

•  Initiate the development of a new version of EUSES for biocides with the aim to cover new 

emission estimation models for all product types.  

•  Support the BPR enforcement by preparing the development of an IT tool for BPR inspectors 
and, if so desired by the Member States, by establishing and supporting a Forum subgroup 
to harmonise approaches to enforcing the BPR. 

Performance indicators47 

Level of satisfaction of the members of the BPC (inc. its 
Working Groups), Coordination Group, the Commission, 
MSCAs and industry with the quality of the scientific, 
technical and regulatory support provided. 
(NEW)Unplanned IT system downtime preventing 
submission within service hours (average of related IT 
systems, per month) 

(NEW)Percentage of BPR inquiries concluded within the 
target timeframe (20 working days) 

(NEW)Percentage of received BPR data sharing disputes 
handled within 60 days 

(NEW)Average time to process an active substance dossier 
(from competent authority evaluation report to BPC 
opinion) 

(NEW)Effective working time of ECHA staff used per active 
substance opinion 

(NEW)Percentage of ECHA  Helpdesk questions related to 
Biocides, answered within established timeframe (15 
working days) 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

High 

High 

High 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

2% 

80% 

100% 

 9 months 

27 – 33 
person 
days 

 80% 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

 7 865 000 

10 358 000 

53 

59 

47 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA); 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

1.4 PIC 

ECHA  contributes  to  the  implementation  of  the  Prior  Informed  Consent  (PIC)  Regulation,  which 
administers the export/import of certain hazardous chemicals to/from the EU.  

Overview  

ECHA is responsible for administrative and technical tasks. It develops and maintains the IT system 
for  receiving  and  administering  the  notifications.  The  Agency  provides  technical  and  scientific 
guidance to industry, the designated national authorities (DNAs) both from the EU and from third 
countries. Each year, the Agency publishes the summary report on actual volumes of exports and 
imports at the Union level that have occurred in the previous year for substances listed in Annex I 
of the PIC Regulation. 

The Agency provides scientific and technical support to the Commission, as needed, in support of 
their management of the legislation and related activities at the Rotterdam convention, and with 
the agreement of the Commission, to the Designated National Authorities (DNAs) both from the EU 
and from third countries. Finally, ECHA also provides the secretariat for the Forum and supports it 
to  further  strengthen  and  harmonise  the  effective  enforcement  of  the  PIC  regulation  in  the  EU 
Member States. 

Workload driver estimates  

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Export notifications 

5 951 

6 300 

8 900 

Helpdesk questions received48 

209 

150 

650 

Scientific and technical requests from the Commission, EU 
and non-EU DNAs  

1 500 

1 800 

2 200 

Key objective 

ECHA ensures effective management of the export and import notifications of hazardous chemicals 
listed in PIC Regulation so that European companies can trade these chemicals while respecting the 
shared responsibility for their safe use.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Process a continuously increasing number of notifications.  

•  Produce the three-year report on operation of the PIC Regulation, together with the routine 

annual report.  

•  Attend,  in  support  of  the  Commission,  the  8th  Conference  of  the  Parties  to  the  Rotterdam 
Convention, provide scientific input and participate in the preparation of the Chemical Review 
Committee 

Performance indicators49 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

48 Regulatory and non-regulatory questions related to PIC only. 
49 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Percentage of export notifications processed within the 
legal timeframe 

Level of satisfaction with the quality of scientific, technical, 
and administrative support provided to the Commission, 
Member State DNAs and industry 

(NEW)Average time to respond to a scientific and technical 
requests from stakeholders 

99% 

100% 

100% 

High 

High 

High 

NA 

NA 

<15 days 

Resources 

Financial resources  (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

1 151 000 

1 183 000 

7 

7 

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

Tasks covered in this area include for the four legislations: data governance, data harmonisation, 
data  architecture,  data  security,  data  warehousing  and  business  intelligence,  computational 
methods for data mining as well as data dissemination to stakeholders and public at large.  

The Dissemination Portal provides, since  early 2016, the world’s largest public data base  on the 
properties  of  industrial  chemicals  in  a  tiered  format  –  with  InfoCards  for  lay  persons  and  more 
detailed information for experts drawn from a multitude of ECHA’s data bases – and is expected to 
be attracting ever-increasing attention from interested readers.  

Overview  

Data management and dissemination is a distributed function in ECHA that comprises: 

•  Providing IT systems and support services to Member States Competent Authorities (so called 
Portal Dashboard for Competent Authorities, MSCAs IUCLID central database for REACH&CLP, 
MSCAs  IUCLID  central  database  for  Biocides),  to  Enforcement  Authorities  (so  called  Portal 
Dashboard for Enforcement Authorities), and to the European Commission to facilitate their 
access to ECHA’s databases on chemicals.  

•  Integration of data across different sources and processes according to an  Enterprise Data 
Model  and  into  a  common  Data  Integration  Platform  used  to  support  Dissemination,  the 
Portals for Authorities, reporting as well as the regulatory processes performed in ECHA 

•  Data mining for dossiers and substance screening purposes in order to focus the evaluation 

and risk management processes.  

•  Analysis of data quality parameters on high volume registered dossiers and notifications. 

•  Performing specific data analysis upon request for ECHA’s institutional partners.  

•  Developing  ways  to  make  data  suitable  for  use  in  other  applications  such  as  OECD  QSAR 
Toolbox, scientific software such as the QSAR modelling, or SDS generation software used by 
data holders. 

•  Developing ways to make data available to actors in support of increased safe use of chemicals 

and/or reduction in animal tests needed 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

•  Providing case management tools to support the processing of regulatory or administrative 

files in the application of the legislations or the internal administrative practices. 

•  Publishing  of  information  on  properties  and  uses  of  chemicals  on  the  ECHA  website, 
complemented by information on whether the substance is under evaluation or subject to risk 
management action. 

•  Exploring  the  opportunities  to  link  data  that  ECHA  is  holding  to  external,  product  based 
websites,  thereby  bringing  data  on  chemicals more  directly  to  the  attention  –  and  thereby 
use – of citizens 

Workload driver estimates  

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Number of dossiers to be disseminated 

12 200 

10 000 

13 000 

Number of external requests for data 

60 

60 

60 

Key objective 

Data submitted on chemicals, data generated by regulatory processes and external data sources is 
securely  accessible  to  support  the  regulatory  tasks  for  REACH,  CLP,  Biocides  and  PIC,  and  non-
confidential data is freely accessible to the public and professional users in a user-friendly format.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Consolidate different interfaces provided to the Authorities and Committees pursuing a secure 
single interface whereby different services (e.g. access to information on the progress of ECHA 
processes) are accessible. This will be supported by the Enterprise Data Model and into the 
Data Integration Platform. 

•  Implement the basis for  recording information on substances and their related deficiencies 
and  concerns  across  the  different  processes  according  to  an  Enterprise  Data  Model.  Thus 
supporting the distribution of information to Authorities and reporting on actions and decisions 
taken across the regulatory processes on a substance or a dossier, supporting the sharing of 
information on the regulatory activities lifecycle and integrated views on multiple regulatory 
processes. 

•  Enrich  the  dissemination  of  biocides  information  with  the  automated  publication  of  data 
extracted  from  biocides  dossiers  such  as  Summary  Product  Characteristics  and  Product 
Assessment Reports. 

•  Upgrade the common Data Integration Platform in terms of technology – to replace obsolete 

components – and architecture – to further align with the enterprise data model 

•  Upgrade the enterprise content management (ECM) platforms  

o  EMC Documentum - used to implement the ECHA solution for case management in the 

internal processes due to the end-of-life of the current version in use. 

o  Microsoft  Sharepoint  –  used  to  implement  the  ECHA  solution  for  case,  process  and 
document management related to the non-regulatory processes due to end-of-life of 
the current version in use. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

•  Prepare  feasibility  studies  and  implementation  roadmaps  for  initiatives  relevant  to  ECHA’s 
stakeholders. For example, deliver data or access to data as a service to third parties when 
coherent with ECHA’s mission; develop support for collection and dissemination of substances 
in articles data. 

•  Further develop tools and support to facilitate data provision by companies to national poison 

centres under Article 45 of the CLP Regulation. 

o 

Integrate  latest  legislative  changes  into  the  tools  and  formats  developed  by  the 
Commission in 2016, i.e. XML, PC Editor, Product Category System and UFI generator. 
to.  

o  Undertake,  in  collaboration  with  the  Commission  and  Member  States,  a  feasibility 
study  into  providing  a  ‘one-stop  notification’  system  that  would  enable  participating 
Member  States  to  receive  notifications  in  the  new  format  and  facilitate  companies 
notifications to multiple countries simultaneously. 

•  Continue to promote the data on  chemicals to  the general public, in collaboration with the 

media and accredited stakeholders.  

Performance indicators50 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Level of Member States’ and Commissions user satisfaction 
with data management services  

Level of satisfaction of stakeholders with dissemination 
activities of ECHA. 

(NEW)Maximum continuous downtime (% non-availability) 
of the website, Portal Dashboard, S-CIRCA and Dynamic 
Case 
(NEW)Percentage of registered dossiers published on the 
Dissemination Portal within 20 working days from 
completing the registration process 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

High 

High 

High 

High 

NA 

NA 

2% 

90% 

Resources 

Financial resources  (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017  
estimate 

NA 

NA 

10 097 385 

10 104 257 

37 

39 

1.6 Delegated tasks – for information only  

A  Delegation  Agreement  is  used  by  the  European  Commission  to  entrust  the  Agency  budget 
implementation  tasks  that  are  outside  of  its  core  mandate.  The  purpose  of  the  Agreement  is  to 
define the entrusted tasks, to lay down the rules applicable to their implementation and to define 
the  rights  and  obligations  of  the  Parties  in  their  implementation.  According  to  ECHA  Financial 
Regulation51 the tasks entrusted should be referred to in the annual work programme of the Agency 

50 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA) 
51 MB/WP/03/2014, Article 8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

for  information  purposes  only,  and  the  Executive  Director  shall  consult  the  Management  Board 
before signing the delegation agreement.  

1.6.1 Nanomaterials Observatory 

Based  on  a  delegation  agreement  between  the  European  Commission  and  ECHA  the  Agency  is 
hosting  the  EU  Observatory  for  Nanomaterials.  The  objective  of  the  observatory  is  to  provide 
publicly available information on nanomaterials in the EU market, their safety aspects, and related 
research activities. The Nanomaterials Observatory also aggregates, evaluates and interprets the 
data,  and  communicates  the  results  to  decision-makers,  authorities  and  the  general  public  in  a 
user-friendly and easily understandable way. The observatory is a response by the Commission to 
the  concerns  expressed  by  policy  makers  and  stakeholders  on  the  lack  of  information  about 
nanomaterials in the EU market, in articles sold to consumers and in workplaces, thus hampering 
effective risk assessment, management,  and enforcement. 

Overview 

Nanomaterials observatory is collecting available information on nanomaterials with a specific focus 
on their safety aspects, including how they are regulated, their hazards and risks, ongoing nano-
safety research activities and their main results, and information about how they are marketed and 
used in the EU.  

ECHA is using various information sources to maintain the content of the observatory. These include 
ECHA’s own regulatory  activities (e.g. dissemination of registration data, evaluation decisions or 
risk  management  processes),  information  from  implementation  of  other  EU  legislation,  national 
inventories  or  registers,  market  studies  and/or  related  databases,  and  EU  funded  research 
activities.  

The  observatory  partly  creates  edited  content  for  various  audiences  (consumers,  workers, 
authorities, and researchers), and partly links to other relevant data sources. The observatory does 
not create any legal obligations for companies to report. ECHA establishes the observatory in three 
phases that are planned to be released in 2017, 2018, and 2019. 

Key objective52 

Objective  information  on  nanomaterials  in  the  EU  market  allows  both  professional  and  general 
audiences review and understand how nanomaterials are used and regulated in the EU, what safety 
information is available on them, and what safety research is ongoing. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Publish the first version of the observatory by June53 2017 based on readily available data 

and information sources.  

•  Start  preparations  for  the  second  version  to  be  published  in  2018.  The  second  version  is 
planned to cover new information on sectoral legislation (e.g. food and cosmetics), further 
information on products and articles where nanomaterials are present, updated information 
on nanomaterials in EU market, and wider information on relevant research activities. 

52 Performance indicator(s) to measure the achievement of Nano-Observatory’s key objective will be developed within the 

first 6 month of its operation 

53 Six months from the signature of the delegation agreement 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

• 

Increase the focus on consumer oriented information, 

•  Complete the first step of an IT analysis to see what opportunities there are for creating e.g. 
search  functionalities  or  interoperability  between  various  data  bases.  Depending  on  the 
result initiate the development of them. 

Resources 

Financial resources  (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

800 000 

600 000 

0,5 

3 

1.6.2 EU Chemical Legislation Finder 

The Commission entrusted ECHA at the end of 2016 with performing a feasibility study with a view 
to set up an ‘EU Chemical Legislation Finder’ that aims at providing easy access to information on 
regulation applicable to a given chemical substance. A given chemical substance can be subject to 
several  EU  legislations  pursuing  different  objectives    (REACH,  biocides,  pesticides,  cosmetics, 
fertilisers, drug precursors, explosives, pyrotechnics, detergents, worker protection, toy safety etc). 
This information is, however, not accessible from one single entry point.  This renders the access 
to  information  burdensome  and  costly,  in  particular  for  SMEs  that  have  to  deal  with  chemical 
substances as producers or downstream users. The creation of an EU Chemical Legislation Finder 
would address this issue.  

Considering that compliance with EU legislations is often mandatory in order to sell and distribute 
substances, this initiative can facilitate access to markets for SMEs.  

Overview 

The  action  to  be  implemented  consists  of  a  feasibility  study  prior  to  the  definition  and 
implementation  of  a  project,  in  particular  with  regard  to  the  scope  of  the  EU  legislation  to  be 
covered, the potential market needs, the interoperability of data sources, the service level to be 
considered, the organisation aspects, the financial needs for the set-up and the update of IT solution 
and related services. ECHA received at the end of 2016 an amount of 100.000 EUR to undertake 
the feasibility study. 

Key objective 

Improve the business environment for EU companies and SMEs in particular with regard to access 
to information on regulation applicable to a given chemical substance. In longer-term perspective, 
help identifying opportunities for streamlining legislations or addressing overlaps as well as gaps in 
the legislative landscape. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Feasibility study as described above 

•  Depending on the outcome of the feasibility study, start preparations for the definition and 

implementation of the project.     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

2. Governance and support activities 

2.1 Management of ECHA bodies and networks 

The  Committees  –  Member  State  Committee  (MSC),  Committee  for  Risk  Assessment  (RAC), 
Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) and the Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) – form 
an integral part of ECHA. They play a crucial role by providing independent scientific and technical 
advice (i.e. agreements and opinions) for ECHA and Commission decision-making. 

The  Forum  for  Exchange  of  Information  on  Enforcement  provides  a  network  of  Member  State 
authorities responsible for the enforcement of the REACH, CLP, and PIC regulations, with the aim 
of harmonising their approach to enforcement. 

ECHA and the national BPR, CLP and REACH helpdesks operate a network of helpdesks (HelpNet) 
with  the  objective  to  exchange  information,  to  cooperate,  particularly  with  a  view  to  provide 
consistent and harmonised advice. HelpNet is governed by the HelpNet Steering Group composed 
of  ECHA,  the  national  BPR,  CLP  and  REACH  helpdesks,  the  Commission  and  observers  from  the 
European  Enterprise  Network,  candidate  countries/other  third  countries,  and/or  Accredited 
Stakeholder Organisations. 

The  Security  Officers’  Network  (SON)  is  a  network  of  experts  from  MSCAs,  Mandated  National 
Institutions, the European Commission and CEFIC. 

The Board of Appeal was established by the REACH Regulation to provide interested parties with 
the possibility of administrative legal review of certain ECHA’s decisions. 

It should be noted that in order to achieve objectives of all the operational activities other informal 
bodies and expert groups function alongside the ones mentioned above. 

2.1.1 Committees 

Overview  

The ECHA Secretariat organises the meetings of the Committees, including their working groups 
and preparatory meetings, manages the written consultations, manages the membership, including 
the implementation of conflict of interest policy, the accredited stakeholder observers’ participation 
in  the  Committees,  and  provides  the  Chairmen  and  the  secretariat  to  the  Committees.  The 
Secretariat  also  manages  the  work  planning  of  the  Committees  and  implements  their  Rules  of 
Procedure. The opinion forming activity is covered under the Operations section. 

Workload driver estimates  

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

MSC meetings 

RAC meetings 

SEAC meetings 

BPC meetings 

Key objective 

6 

6 

4 

4 

6 

8 

6 

5 

6 

7 

5 

6 

The  ECHA  Secretariat  supports  and  facilitates  the  work  of  the  Committees  by  providing  the 
necessary  infrastructure  and  support  for  running  the  decision-making  processes  efficiently  and 
effectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Manage  memberships  of  each  Committee  (renewals  and  new  appointments/nominations), 
with  specific  focus  on  ensuring  adequate  capacity  of  RAC  and  SEAC.  Review  experiences 
gained with co-opted members. 

•  Implement  efficiency  improvements  continuously  in  all  Committees  resulting  from  the 

completion and integration of IT tools. 

•  Prepare, run and follow-up the plenary meetings for the MSC (6), BPC (6), RAC (7) and SEAC 

(5).  

Performance indicators54 

Level of satisfaction of ECHA Committees with the quality of 
the scientific, technical and administrative support provided 
by the ECHA Secretariat 
(NEW)Percentage of members acting as rapporteurs in RAC 
and SEAC 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

High 

High 

High 

NA 

NA 

>60% 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

3 705 446 

3 358 212 

17 

17 

2.1.2 Forum 

Overview  

The  ECHA  Secretariat  organises  the  meetings,  manages  the  membership  and  provides  the 
secretariat  to  the  Forum  and  its  Chair.  The  Forum  will  hold  three  plenary  meetings  per  year, 
including an open session to liaise with accredited stakeholder organisations. The Forum will also 
discuss  and  find  harmonised  solutions  to  practical  challenges  faced  by  inspectors  which  will  be 
recorded in its manual of conclusions. Specific projects and specific support of the Forum to ECHA’s 
operations is covered above under Section 1, “Operations”, of this Work Programme. 

Workload driver estimates  

Number of REF projects (at any stage of project life cycle) 

Number of pilot projects (at any stage of project life cycle) 

Forum meetings 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

3 

4 

3 

3 

6 

3 

4 

4 

3 

Active working groups 

14 

11 

12 

54 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Key objective 

The  ECHA  Secretariat  will  support  and  facilitate  the  work  of  the  Forum  so  that  it  will  be  able  to 
promote harmonised enforcement of REACH, CLP and the PIC regulations efficiently and effectively. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Support  via  the  Forum  Secretariat,  the  harmonisation  of  national  enforcement  authorities’ 
approaches to enforcement through three Forum plenary meetings, continued development 
through methodological tools, best practice and sharing of information.   

•  Continue preparing, executing and reporting from Forum coordinated enforcement projects. 
In addition, prepare the manual for the sixth Forum project (REF-6) and select the subject of 
seventh Forum project (REF-7). 

•  Continue establishing best practice in enforcement and testing enforcement approaches by 

running Forum pilot projects, 

•  Continue  to  examine  enforcement  proposals  and  deliver  advice  on  enforceability  of 

restrictions.  

•  Continue  to  promote  intelligent  use  of  information  by  maintaining  institutional  interlinks 
between  ECHA  and  national  enforcement  authorities  intended  for  enforcement  of  ECHA 
decisions by inspectors and provision of intelligence to the national authorities. 

•  Continue to support enforcement authorities by developing and delivering an annual training 

programme for inspectors to a group of national trainers. 

•  Continue  to  support  enforcement  by  the  national  enforcement  authorities  via  on-going 
improvement  and  modernisation  of  the  IT-tools  available  to  inspectors  such  as  Portal 
Dashboard for national enforcement authorities  

Performance indicators55 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Level of satisfaction of the members and other participants 
with the functioning of the Forum Secretariat 

High 

High 

High 

(NEW)Portion of Member States (EU or EEA) participating in 
REF projects 

NA 

NA 

100% 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE)56 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

1 702 050 

1 551 735 

8 

8 

55 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA); 
56 Biocides resources are not included in this estimate but under the Biocide Activity in section 1.3 (p. 68)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

2.1.3 HelpNet and Security Officers Network 

Overview  

ECHA provides the HelpNet Secretariat which supports the administration and organisation of the 
network, coordinates the work of HelpNet with that of other ECHA services and the Commission, 
manages ECHA’s input to questions from the national helpdesks and manages the preparation of 
FAQs.  ECHA  also  provides  training  and  supports  the  exchange  of  information  and  best  practice 
between national helpdesks through HelpNet Steering Group meeting(s) and HelpNet workshops 
on BPR, CLP and REACH. In the immediate run-up to the REACH 2018 registration deadline, the 
HelpNet will be crucial in keeping national REACH helpdesks informed  on developments to allow 
them to provide advice and assistance to potential registrants, in particular to SMEs.  

The SON provides advice to ECHA on security issues related to the secure exchange of information 
pertaining  to  the  REACH  and  CLP  Regulations,  between  ECHA,  MSCAs,  Mandated  National 
Institutions  and  the  European  Commission.  ECHA  provides  its  secretariat  and  coordinates  the 
network. 

Workload driver estimates  

Number of HelpNet events 

Number of SON events 

Key objective 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

7 

1 

7  

1 

7  

1 

ECHA  Secretariat  supports  and  facilitates  the  work  of  the  networks  by  providing  the  necessary 
infrastructure and assistance for their efficient and effective functioning. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Organise 1 HelpNet Steering Group meeting and 6 HelpNet workshops on BPR, CLP and REACH 

•  Continue preparing questions and answers sets (FAQs) on BPR, CLP and REACH  

•  Complete the review of the Security Model applied to remote access for MSCAs to take into 

account new technological possibilities and new working practices  

•  Keep  the  national  REACH  helpdesks  informed  on  developments  related  to  the  2018 
registration deadline to allow them to provide advice and assistance to potential registrants, 
in particular to SMEs that may be struggling with the preparation of their dossiers 

•  Organize a training (update) for national helpdesk correspondents on dossier submission 

Performance indicators57 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Level of satisfaction of HelpNet members with the HelpNet 
Secretariat support 

High 

High 

High 

57 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

(NEW)Quality of the advice provided by SON as perceived 
by the Management Board members 

NA 

NA 

High 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

300 561 

311 233 

2 

2 

2.1.4 Board of Appeal 

Overview  

Board of Appeal decides on appeals against certain decisions of the Agency (see Article 91 of the 
REACH Regulation and Article 77 of the BPR). The Board is supported by a Registry, which, as the 
Board itself, acts entirely independent from the ECHA Secretariat. 

Workload driver estimates  

2015 actual 

2016 estimate  2017 estimate 

REACH  BPR  REACH  BPR  REACH  BPR 

Appeals submitted 

Procedural decisions 

Cases closed 

Key objective 

22 

16 

12 

4 

4 

3 

25 

15 

14 

1 

2 

1 

24 

15 

22 

3 

2 

3 

High-quality decisions are adopted by the Board of Appeal without undue delay. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Process and decide on incoming appeals which are expected to include an increased number 
of registration and data sharing related cases due to the manual completeness check and the 
reinforcement of the OSOR principle in the REACH-IT as well as a steady influx of cases in 
relation to substance evaluation and compliance check decisions.  

•  Adopt up to 25 final appeal decisions, closing an appeal.  

•  Adopt procedural decisions, as needed.  

•  Publish a robust body of high-quality decisions on-line, helping to build a  set  of consistent 

criteria for the Agency decision-making. 

•  Ensure effective (i.e. clear, accurate and timely) communication with the (potential) parties 

in relation to appeal proceedings. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Performance indicators58 

Percentage of final Board of Appeal decisions made 
within 90 working days of the closure of the written or 
oral procedure  

(NEW)Average time to process an appeal 

(NEW)Effective working time of  Board of Appeal and its 
Registry to conclude an appeal case against ECHA’s 
decision 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

93% 

90% 

90% 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

15 months 

85 – 90 
person 
days 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

1 680 880 

1 696 662 

11 

11 

2.2 Management  

ECHA is governed by a 36-member Management Board. The Executive Director is in charge of the 
management  and  administration  of  the  Agency.  He  is  the  legal  representative  of  the  European 
Chemicals  Agency  and  reports  to  ECHA's  Management  Board.  Together  with  the  Directors,  he 
manages and supervises all activities of the Agency. 

Overview  

The Agency strives to ensure a modern corporate identity and management that complies with the 
highest EU standards including engagement of its stakeholders.  

ECHA  works  closely  with  its  accredited  stakeholders  and  involves  them  in  its  work.  The  Agency 
works towards having stakeholders satisfied that their views are heard and taken into account. This 
engagement takes place throughout the year at events, network meetings and through the annual 
strategic workshop to discuss priorities for the future.  

ECHA uses an activity and process-based integrated management system, which is ISO9001:2015 
certified,  to  organise  its  operations  in  a  hierarchical  or  matrix  structure.  The  environmental 
management aims at efficient and effective use of resources in support of sustainable development. 
The management of information is balanced between openness and security principles, while in the 
longer term the Agency strives to become paperless by applying an Archiving Strategy This includes 
reducing  the  need  for  paper  in  general  and  exploring  the  needs  and  opportunities  of  digitising 
current and legacy paper archives of the Agency. 

The core functions of the Management Board include the adoption of the budget, work programme, 
and  annual  report,  as  well  as  the  adoption  and  review  of  internal  Agency  rules.  In  addition,  the 
Management Board closely monitors the performance of the Agency and the implementation of its 
strategic  objectives.  To  this  end,  the  Board  receives  regular  reports  on  the  progress  with  work 
programme  implementation,  and  specific  topic-related  reports  from  the  Secretariat.  The  ECHA 
Secretariat supports the work of the Management Board and its working groups in its role as the 
governing body of the Agency.  

58 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA);  

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Under  international  cooperation  activities  requested  by  the  Commission,  ECHA  pursues  mutually 
beneficial  cooperation  with  the  regulatory  agencies  in  non-EU  countries  with  which  ECHA  has 
concluded cooperation agreements, in line with the bilaterally established Rolling Work Plans. 

Solid defence is given to ECHA in legal proceedings e.g. on human resources issues, procurement, 
and access to documents. Complaints are effectively analysed from the legal perspective. 

ECHA will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2017. To mark this milestone, the Agency will prepare 
suitable communication products and high-level events, also in cooperation with the City of Helsinki 
within  the  framework  of  the  Helsinki  Chemicals  Forum  and  the  100  years  anniversary  of  the 
Republic of Finland. 

Workload driver estimates 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Number of general questions 

607 

600 

1 200 

Management Board meetings 

Number of audits to take place in a year59 

4 

13 

4 

17 

4 

17 

Key objective  

The  Agency  is  governed  through  efficient  and  effective  management  and  IT  governance,  which 
ensures the proper planning of activities, allocation of resources, assessment and management of 
risks, communication and stakeholder engagement, safety of staff, environmental protection and 
security  of  assets  and  information,  and  provides  an  assurance  of  the  conformity  and  quality  of 
outputs. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

Corporate  governance  and  support  activities  will  continue  as  foreseen  in  the  standard  planning, 
reporting and monitoring cycles, ensuring continuity and efficiency of the Agency's work. Specific 
activities in 2017 are: 

•  Coordinate and organize meetings and consultations with the Management Board, including 

its Working Groups  

•  Prepare and coordinate directors meetings including management decisions, delegations and  

policies 

•  Manage the Agency’s reputation by: gathering feedback on the Agency’s performance from 
stakeholders though surveys and by daily media and social media monitoring; and acting on 
the feedback received 

•  In recognition of both the need to communicate more effectively with consumers and workers, 
and the unsuitability of ECHA’s website for these two target audiences, the Agency will build 
a  separate  website  for  them.  This  will  retain  ECHA  branding  and  editorial  content,  but  will 
have a different look and feel so as to make it more appealing to the general public. It will 
contain content on all aspects of chemicals in our life, including information on nanomaterials, 
as  part  of  the  remit  of  the  EU  Nanomaterials  Observatory.  The  site  will  be  developed  in 
consultation with accredited stakeholders. 

59 This includes the internal audits and their follow-up performed by the European Commission’s Internal Audit Sevice (IAS) 
and ECHA’s Internal Audit Capability (IAC) as well as ECHA’s Integrated Quality Management System audits 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

•   Prepare suitable communication products and organise events to celebrate 10th anniversary 

of ECHA’s establishment  

•  Contribute  to  the  Commission’s  REACH  review  studies,  communication  and  support 

documents, as well as to the implementation and follow-up of the exercise 

•  Perform audit activities in line with the annual audit plan. 

•  Optimise further the Integrated Quality Management and Internal Control Systems towards 

the 2017 surveillance audits 

•  Implement  the  Agency’s  environmental  programme  aiming  at  improving  its  environmental 

performance 

•  Implement the Archiving Strategy  

•  Respond to enquiries (ca. 500) from general public about ECHA and its activities. 

•  Support corporate planning and reporting on ECHA’s activities  

•  Start implementing identified solution(s) to streamline planning and reporting activities 

•  Coordinate international cooperation activities as requested by the Commission, in line with 
an  Exchange  of  Letters  in  2014  between  the  Commission  and  ECHA  establishing  working 
arrangements for handling such activities, and carry out ECHA’s third capacity building project 
for  EU  candidate  countries  and  potential  candidates  under  the  IPA  (Instrument  for  Pre-
Accession) programme.  

•  Implement  the  corporate-wide  efficiency  development  programme  with  new  projects, 

competency development, communication and performance management 

Performance indicators60 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Percentage of very important audit recommendations 
implemented within the deadline (IAS). 

NA61 

100% 

100% 

Decisions equivalent (No. of weighted decisions/opinions 
divided by the maximum annual staff capacity) 

1.5% 
increase 

2% 
increase  

2% 
increase  

Level of satisfaction of MB Members with ECHA 
Secretariat’s support to their governing role 

(NEW)Number of critical recommendations from any 
auditor 

(NEW)Proportion of work programme indicators for which 
the set targets were achieved 

High 

High 

High 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

0 

98% 

Resources 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

60 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA); 
61 There were no very important audit recommendations in 2015. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

NA 

NA 

7 711 311 

7 138 594 

42 

42 

2.3 Resources  

Finance, Human Resources, Corporate Services, communications and Information Communications 
Technology  (ICT)  functions  are  needed  for  an  organisation  with  stable  and  reliable  funding, 
services, competences and place of work.   

2.3.1 Financial resources 

Overview  

This activity covers the general financial management of the Agency, financial programming and 
reporting.  It  also  includes  overseeing  and  ensuring  the  correctness  of  the  budget  implementing 
operations as well as accounting and treasury  operations. Finance unit coordinates and provides 
advice on the planning, launching, reporting and publication of the Agency’s procurement activities. 
In addition, Finance unit performs SME company size verification to ensure that only genuine SMEs 
benefit from reduced fees and charges under REACH/CLP and BPR regulations. 

Workload driver estimates 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

  Number of amending budgets in a year 

Number of subsidy requests (incl. cash-flow forecast 
requirements) 
Number of outgoing payments in a year (incl. commercial 
invoices) 

3 

4 

2 

7 

2 

7 

12 918 

13 000 

13 000 

Number of fee receipts in a year 

4 234 

4 500 

6 000 

Number of contracts (incl. procurements and purchase 
orders) 

SME status checks for REACH/CLP 

739 

423 

700 

500 

700 

330 

Key objective  

ECHA ensures correct, sound and efficient management of its financial resources comprising of fee 
income and EU subsidy awarded under three different EU budget lines and adjusts its expenditure 
over the year to the revenue effectively collected.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Prepare  and  manage  the  implementation  of  budget,  including  amendments  and  transfers, 
revenue collection and cash management, procurement and contracting, financial reporting 
including annual accounts. 

•  Continue regular exchange with Commission partner services on revenue estimates for the 
future, the needs to review the fee regulations and discuss ways of handling any shortfall or 
surplus during the calendar year 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

•  Monitor and report on reimbursements to Member States and prepare eventual reviews of the 

Management Board rules on this matter 

•  Continue extending the IT support for ECHA financial processes, following the needs and gaps 

identified during the analysis performed in 2016.  

•  Continuously ensure correctness of the SME fee reductions claimed by registrants with focus  

on examining registrations from the 2013 deadline.  

•  Implement  further  efficiency  measures,  including  automation  and  streamlining  of  financial 

processes as part of the corporate efficiency development programme.  

Performance indicators 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Commitment rate (of commitment appropriations at the 
end of the year). 

98% 

95% 

95% 

Payment rate (of payment appropriations at the end of the 
year). 

88% 

80% 

80% 

Carryover rate (% of committed funds carried over into the 
next year) 

11% 

<20% 

<20% 

Cancelled carryover payment appropriations. 

5% 

≤5% 

≤5% 

Percentage of payments made within the 
legal/contractual deadlines 

96% 

≥95% 

≥95% 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

3 959 909 

4 005 230 

27 

26 

2.3.2 Human resources 

Overview  

Human Resources activity covers Agency’s staff planning and reporting on an organisational basis, 
including implementation of ECHA’s selection and recruitment plans and engagement of Seconded 
National Experts, trainees and interim staff. It also includes the development and implementation 
of Implementing Rules and policies, in line with the revised Staff Regulations and taking account of 
ECHA’s specific circumstances. 

Other    activities  include  the  management  of  personnel  and  payroll  administration,  in  line  with 
applicable rules and regulations; the management of staff welfare and wellbeing actions including 
matters related to individual wellbeing, (European) schooling matters and the integration of staff 
with  Helsinki  City;  the  management  of  performance  appraisal,  reclassification  and  related  HR 
exercises to ensure that organisational objectives are met and that staff receive accurate feedback 
and recognition on their performance and the management of ECHA’s learning and development 
function, including capacity-building actions identified under Strategic Objective No 3. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Workload driver estimates 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Number of statutory staff selections completed 

Number of recruitments completed 

Number of trainings organised 

Number of contract renewals 

Number of statutory staff subject to annual appraisal 

Number of staff in the payroll 

Number of decisions related to entitlements 

11 

42 

265 

119 

538 

563 

NA62 

10 

35 

250 

100 

520 

550 

500 

10 

35 

275 

100 

520 

550 

500 

Key objective  

ECHA has a sufficient number of skilled staff to ensure the implementation of the Work Programme 
and offers staff a well-functioning work environment. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Conduct the annual objective setting, performance appraisal and reclassification exercises 

•  Provide all HR services with high quality to the staff 

•  Maintain good relations and dialogue with the staff committee and European School of Helsinki 

and other major stakeholders 

•  Conduct the Job Screening Exercise as part of a wider inter-Agency benchmarking exercise 

initiated by the European Commission. 

•  Provide relevant training activities to ensure continuous capacity-building of staff  

•  Ensure the integration of the general competencies in all HR processes 

•  Ensure  availability  of  necessary  interim  workforce  especially  for  the  upcoming  registration 

deadline 

Performance indicators63 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Percentage of establishment plan posts filled 

98% 

95% 

98% 

Turnover of TAs. 

4% 

< 5% 

< 5% 

Turnover of CAs (excluding short-term CAs). 

12% 

< 10% 

< 10% 

62 Not available for 2015 as this is a new workload driver  
63 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Level of satisfaction of all staff with the HR services  

High 

High  

High 

Percentage improvement in the Job Screening Exercise 

1% 

(NEW)Percentage of days that staff are absent from work 
due to sickness 

NA 

1% 

NA 

1% 

≤5% 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

3 645 030 

3 667 413 

27 

25 

2.3.3 Corporate services 

Overview  

Corporate  Services  cover  the  management  of  ECHA’s  building  and  related  facilities  (including 
building and facilities maintenance and refurbishments; management of the conference centre and 
delivery  of  audio  visual  and  virtual  conferencing  services;  the  provision  of  canteen  and  catering 
services;  workspace  allocation  and  waste  management  activities).  The  activity  also  covers 
coordination of ECHA’s security, business continuity and crisis management activities and involves 
providing  events/meetings  logistical  and  secretarial  support,  the  management  of  ECHA’s  travel 
management  services  and  the  coordination  of  postal  and  courier  services  and  the  purchase  and 
maintenance of office supplies. It is responsible for the preparatory work to support the decision-
making regarding the ECHA premises in view of the expiry of the current lease contract in the end 
of 2019. 

Also covered by the Corporate Services are ECHA’s external and internal communication activities 
that  play  a  fundamental  role  in  both  the  efficient  management  of  the  Agency  and  in  the 
management  of its corporate and visual identity.  ECHA aims to  communicate effectively with its 
external  audiences,  in  23  languages  where  appropriate,  and  works  with  the  media  in  order  to 
maintain an accurate and balanced media presence. The main communication vehicle remains the 
multilingual website, but other vehicles are also used to increase the outreach to new audiences – 
for  example,  social  media.  Effective  internal  communication  (through  intranet,  staff  events  and 
briefings)  remains  key  to  ensuring  that  the  staff  has  a  sense  of  belonging  and  feels  part  of  a 
common corporate endeavour. 

Workload driver estimates 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Number of work stations to maintain 

650 

700 

700 

Number of meetings held at ECHA Conference Centre 
(including internal meetings) 

Number of facilities related incidents 

Number of new publications produced 

1 500 

1 500 

1 600 

820 

43 

1 400 

1 400 

100 

50 

Number of pages translated into 22 languages 

1 050 

1 300 

1 100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Key objective  

ECHA  has  secure  and  healthy  office  premises  and  adequate  facilities  for  the  staff  and  external 
visitors; and maintains effective internal and external communication. 

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Implement an event management IT tool, according to the vision document prepared in 2016, 
to  improve  the  efficiency  of  the  process  and  better  cope  with  the  significantly  increasing 
number of events per year 

•  Provide all corporate services at high quality to staff 

•  Maintain and enhance the use  of the audio-visual equipment and facilities to  reduce travel 

requirements of the members of ECHA bodies and its staff 

•  Prepare and submit to the European Parliament/Council a request for approval of the building 

project  

•  Final decision regarding the new long term lease in the same or a new building 

•  Maintain  and  further  improve  stakeholder  relations  via  dedicated  accredited  stakeholder 
organisation  communication  activities,  joint  projects  and  events;  interactions  with  Member 
States  and  EU  partners  in  order  to  ensure  efficient  communication  with  a  wide  range  of 
audiences throughout Europe.  

•  Maintain and improve all the internal and external communication vehicles of the Agency – 
website, newsletters, press materials, publications, audio-visual products, social media and 
intranet 

•  Continue to translate materials that are important for small companies and the general public 

into 23 languages 

Performance indicators64 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Level of satisfaction of the Committees, Forum and MB 
members with the functioning of the conference centre 

High 

High 

High 

Level of accredited stakeholder satisfaction with the 
information they receive and their engagement with ECHA. 

High 

High 

High 

Level of reader satisfaction with ECHA’s written output, 
including language availability measured in terms of 
timeliness, content and usability 

High 

High 

High 

Level of satisfaction of the staff with the corporate services  High 

High 

High 

(NEW)Average time to resolve an internal, facility related 
request 

NA 

NA 

<8h 

64 For  new  proposed  indicators  the  values  for  2015  and  2016  are  not  available  (NA);  estimation  of  2017  targets  will  be 

provided in the final draft (tbc) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

3 308 612 

3 080 627 

23 

21 

2.3.4 ICT 

Overview  

This  activity  manages  and  provides  the  IT  services  for  the  Agency and  for  the  external  users  of 
ECHA’s  IT  tools  in  Industry  and  in  national  competent  and  enforcement  authorities.  It  is  a  core 
activity on which all other activities depend, ensuring that the staff have the appropriate IT tools 
at  their  disposal,  that  the  external  users  can  rely  on  high  availability  of  the  IT  tools,  adequate 
performance and good users support whilst complying to IT security standards.  

The activity ensures the procurement, delivery and management of all ECHA’s IT applications. 

All  services  are  assessed  for  business  continuity  requirements,  while  designed  and  maintained 
according to the identified needs. 

This activity also provides the integrated access management services for all ECHA’s IT applications.  

A  key  resource  managed  by  this  activity  is  the  outsourcing  contracts  used  for  the  delivery  of 
services, requiring significant effort to procure, manage services and external providers.  

The support to the IT Governance of the Agency as well as the management of the ICT assets of 
the Agency is part of this activity. 

Workload driver estimates 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

Number of IT related incidents 

7 390 

5 600 

5 600 

Number of IT contracts to be managed in a year65 

Number of Agency- wide IT applications in operation 

105 

35 

111 

45 

111 

41 

Key objective  

The  IT  services  of  the  Agency  are  operated  at  a  high  level  of  users’  satisfaction,  continuity  and 
security.  

Main actions and outputs of 2017 

•  Revise and strengthen the relevant IT services and the IT support for business continuity to 

be prepared for the 2018 deadline 

•  Complete the roll-out of the new IT facilities for the workplace initiated in 2016 

•  Establish new outsourcing framework contracts for ICT services and software and application 

65 ECHA’s  own  established  IT  Framework  contracts  and  the  major  service  contracts  managed  under  HANSEL  (Finnish 
Administration Procurement) including specific contracts implementing ECHA’s own established IT Framework contracts and 
major service contracts managed under HANSEL (the specific contract amount to c.a. 100 per year)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

management services;   

•  Support the new model of delivering ECHA Cloud Services to SMEs users 

•  Consolidate integration management after the achievement in 2016 of the target information 

systems architecture (as mostly defined in 2011)  

•  Define and pursue a new target architecture for the IT landscape post 2018 deadline; in this 

context analyse in particular: 

•  the operational and administrative needs associated with delivering software as a service 

e.g. cloud services for SMEs 

•  the needs for a mobile IT strategy to assess the opportunity of adapting some of the ECHA’s 

IT tools (e.g. the Portal Dashboard for Enforcement field work) to mobile devices 

•  the  needs  and  opportunities  which  can  be  met  by  leveraging  the  data  management 

capabilities, services and platforms established in the previous years 

•  The  identification  of  new  candidates  for  common  components  and  services  in  ECHA’s  IT 

landscape (e.g. mass mailing solution) 

•  Maintain  the  Technology  roadmap  and  ensure  an  adequate  technology  update  index  to 

prevent risks of security, obsolescence, loss of efficiency;  

Performance indicators66 

2015 
actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
target 

Availability of mission-critical systems for externally used 
IT systems (i.e. uptime during service hours).   

98.5% 

99%  
(average 
98 %) 

99% 
(average 
98 %) 

Level of internal users satisfaction with the ICT services 

High 

High 

High 

(NEW)Average time to resolve an internal, ICT service 
related request 

NA 

NA 

<8h 

Resources 

Financial resources (costs, euros) 

Human resources (FTE) 

2015 actual 

2016 
estimate 

2017 
estimate 

NA 

NA 

3 164 759 

3 374 020 

22 

22 

66 For new proposed indicators the values for 2015 and 2016 are not available (NA) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annexes 

Annex I: Resource allocation per Activity of the work Programme 2017 

Annex II: Human and Financial Resources  

Table 1 – Expenditure  

Table 2 – Revenue  

Table 3 – Budget outturn and cancellation of appropriations 

Annex III: Staff population and its evolution 

Table 1 – Staff population and its evolution; Overview of all categories of staff  

Table 2 – Multi -annual staff policy plan year  

Annex IV: 

A. Recruitment policy   

B. Appraisal of performance and reclassification/promotions 

Table 1 - Reclassification of temporary staff/promotion of officials 

Table 2 - Reclassification of contract staff 

C. Mobility policy  

D. Gender and geographical balance 

E. Schooling 

Annex V: Buildings  

Annex VI: Privileges and immunities  

Annex VII: Evaluations 2017 

Annex VIII: Risks 2017 

Annex IX: Procurement plan 2017  

Annex X: Organisation chart 2017 

Annex XI:  IT Resources

 
 
 
 
89 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex I: Resource allocation per Activity of the Work Programme 2017 

Activity 

Staff allocation – 
2016 final estimate 

Staff allocation - 
2017 estimate 

Draft Budget 
2016 

Budget estimate 
2017 

1.1. 1 Registration dossier preparation 

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission 

1.1.3 Evaluation 

1.1.4 Communication of risk management advice through the supply 
chain  
1.2.1 Identifying needs for Regulatory Risk Management 

1.2.2 Authorisation  

1.2.3 Restrictions 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling  

1.3 Biocides 

1.4 PIC 

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

1.6 Delegated tasks 

2.1.1 Committees 

2.1.2 Forum 

2.1.3 HelpNet and Security Officers Network 
2.1.4 Board of Appeal  
2.2 Management  
2.3.1 Financial resources 
2.3.2 Human resources 
2.3.3 Corporate Services 
2.3.4 ICT 

Totals 

48 

43 

106 

17 

17 

33 

17 

23 

53 

7 

37 

- 

17 

8 

2 
11 
42 
27 
27 
23 
22 

580 

49 

42 

106 

16 

16 

31 

16 

23 

59 

7 

39 

3 

17 

8 

2 
11 
42 
26 
25 
21 
22 
581 

11 736 098  

9 256 352  

18 947 311  

2 996 515  

2 961 639  

5 830 893  

3 274 879  

4 071 679  

7 865 000  

1 151 000  

10 097 385  

- 

3 705 446  

1 702 050  

300 561  
1 680 880  
7 711 311  
3 959 909  
3 645 030  
3 308 612  

3 164 759  

107 367 309 

12 330 283 

9 564 452 

17 874 662 

3 036 807 

3 143 386 

5 544 310 

3 454 427 

4 446 081 

10 358 000 

1 183 000 

10 104 257 

600 000 

3 358 212 

1 551 735 

311 233 
1 696 662 
7 138 594 
4 005 230 
3 667 413 
3 080 627 
3 374 020 
109 823 390 

 
 
 
 
90 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex II: Human and Financial Resources  

Table 1: Revenue  

Title 
  Chapter 
    Article 
      Item 

1 

10 

100 

101 

102 

103 

104 

Heading 

Budget 2015 

Budget 2016 

Budget 2017 

REVENUE FROM FEES AND CHARGES 

Revenue from fees and charges 

Fees and charges collected from registrations 

Fees and charges collected from authorisations 

Fees and charges from appeals 

Fees and charges from CLP 

Other fees and charges 

REACH 

REACH 

REACH 

REACH 

REACH 

21 720 585 

23 210 566 

24 795 753 

728 239 

28 276 

134 147 

5 961 449 

14 244 

144 000 

523 418 

p.m. 

148 613 

1 174 227 

1 750 000 

1 008 716 

Chapter 10 - Total 

23 785 474 

31 080 259 

26 476 500 

11 

Revenue from fees and charges 

110 

111 

112 

113 

Fees relating to active substances 

BIOCIDE 

1 003 000 

Fees for Union authorisation of biocidal products  

BIOCIDE 

1 654 000 

Miscellaneous fees 

Fees and charges from appeals 

BIOCIDE 

BIOCIDE 

2 761 667 

5 000 

3 644 200 

2 203 000 

1 600 000 

p.m. 

1 170 000 

2 881 300 

1 720 000 

p.m. 

Chapter 11 - Total 

5 423 667 

7 447 200 

5 771 300 

19 

Balancing fee income 

199 

Balancing fee income 

Chapter 19 - Total 

Title 1 - TOTAL 

REACH 

87 189 693 

87 189 693 

8 839 383 

8 839 383 

0 

0 

116 398 833 

47 366 842 

32 247 800 

2 

20 

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE GENERAL BUDGET OF THE EUROPEAN UNION  

Contributions from the General Budget of the European 
Union 

200 

Contributions from the General Budget of the 
European Union 

REACH 

0 

58 936 000 

69 489 500 

BIOCIDE 

5 789 000 

519 628 

1 450 000 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
91 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

201 

Contributions from the General Budget of the 
European Union - Assigned Revenue 

202 

IPA programs (earmarked) 

203 

Biocides programme(earmarked) 

204 

Other 

PIC 

1 222 001 

1 039 880 

1 139 537 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

330 372 

111 120 

3 050 000 

43 463 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

Chapter 20 - Total 

Title 2 - TOTAL 

7 011 001 

7 011 001 

60 937 000 

60 937 000 

75 172 500 

75 172 500 

3 

30 

PARTICIPATION BY THIRD COUNTRIES IN THE AGENCY'S 
ACTIVITIES 

Participation by third countries in the Agency's activities 

300 

EFTA contributions 

4 

40 

OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS 

Other contributions 

400 

Other contributions 

5 

50 

ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS 

Administrative operations 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

Chapter 30 - Total 

Title 3 - TOTAL 

BIOCIDE 

Chapter 40 - Total 

Title 4 - TOTAL 

0 

307 791 

0 

307 791 

307 791 

0 

0 

0 

1 626 630 

130 800 

p.m. 

1 757 430 

1 757 430 

1 716 390 

86 700 

p.m. 

1 803 090 

1 803 090 

p.m. 

0 

0 

p.m. 

0 

0 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
92 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

500 

Revenue from the sale of publications 

501 

Reimbursement of miscellaneous expenditure 

502 

Revenue from investments and bank interest 

503 

Proceeds from the sale of goods and services 

REACH 
BIOCIDE 
PIC 
REACH 
BIOCIDE 
PIC 
REACH 
BIOCIDE 
PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

504 

Administrative revenue from institutions and bodies 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

0 
0 
0 
422 682 
16 258 
924 
317 787 
0 
0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

60 

CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS 

Contributions under specific agreements 

Chapter 50 - Total 

Title 5 - TOTAL 

757 651 

757 651 

p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
4 584 
p.m. 
p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

4 584 

4 584 

p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 
p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

0 

0 

600 

IPA programme 

REACH 

300 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

601 

Voluntary contributions from Member States 

REACH 

602 

Balancing of non-materialised fee income 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

BIOCIDE 

0 

0 

0 

0 

603 

Revenue from Delegation Agreements 

REACH 

Chapter 60 - Total 

Title 6 - TOTAL 

300 000 

300 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

600 000 

0 

0 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
93 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

9 

90 

ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS 

Administrative operations 

900 

Administrative operations 

ECHA 

Chapter 90 - Total 

Title 9 - TOTAL 

TOTAL REVENUE 

0 

0 

0 

p.m. 

0 

0 

p.m. 

0 

0 

124 775 276 

110 065 856 

109 223 390 

Annex II: Table 2 – Expenditure 

Title 
  Chapter 
    Article 
      Item 

1 

11 

Heading 

STAFF 

STAFF IN ACTIVE EMPLOYMENT 

Appropriations 
2015 

Appropriations 
2016 

Appropriations 
2017 

110 

Staff holding a post provided for in the establishment plan 

1100 

Basic salaries 

1101 

Family allowances 

1102 

Expatriation and foreign residence allowances 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

30 795 421 

31 450 000 

31 680 457 

2 563 506 

2 519 200 

3 030 000 

273 680 

314 300 

316 000 

3 229 671 

3 324 000 

3 465 500 

283 652 

21 655 

282 500 

29 200 

310 000 

31 100 

3 713 847 

3 834 000 

3 791 700 

365 948 

31 294 

345 100 

37 600 

430 000 

38 000 

111 

Other staff 

1112 

Contract agents 

Article 110 - Total 

41 278 675 

42 135 900 

43 092 757 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

4 823 743 

5 006 500 

5 381 600 

539 477 

695 000 

935 000 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

1113 

Seconded national experts 

1114 

Trainees 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

113 

Employer's social security contributions 

1130 

Insurance against sickness 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

1132 

Unemployment insurance 

1133 

Constitution or maintenance of pension rights  

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

85 000 

p.m. 

192 000 

18 000 

p.m. 

105 000 

11 000 

156 000 

16 000 

2 000 

45 906 

588 395 

86 056 

0 

41 000 

45 000 

523 000 

755 000 

83 500 

p.m. 

173 988 

180 000 

0 

0 

6 400 

p.m. 

1 089 012 

1 113 000 

1 051 000 

89 603 

9 305 

93 800 

10 500 

13 204 

1 379 

14 000 

1 600 

415 402 

427 000 

402 000 

33 312 

3 086 

35 100 

3 600 

40 000 

4 000 

7 004 634 

2 165 000 

1 926 400 

0 

0 

309 300 

395 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

1131 

Insurance against accidents and occupational disease 

REACH 

160 327 

164 000 

Article 111 - Total 

6 257 564 

6 535 400 

7 411 600 

Article 113 - Total 

8 819 265 

4 336 900 

4 108 400 

114 

Miscellaneous allowances and grants 

1140 

Childbirth grants and death allowances 

1141 

Travel expenses for annual leave 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

2 975 

1 388 

0 

779 937 

74 775 

4 000 

1 000 

200 

805 000 

72 000 

4 000 

1 000 

200 

800 000 

85 000 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

1142 

Other allowances and grants 

1147 

Shiftwork and standby duty 

115 

Overtime 

1150 

Overtime 

119 

Weightings 

1190  Weightings 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

9 347 

61 782 

0 

0 

12 852 

29 444 

p.m. 

p.m. 

15 000 

20 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

6 313 

15 000 

15 000 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

Article 114 - Total 

936 516 

939 496 

940 200 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

Article 115 - Total 

Article 119 - Total 

CHAPTER 11 - TOTAL 

1 141 

0 

0 

1 141 

3 000 

200 

100 

3 300 

3 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

3 000 

7 095 347 

6 816 000 

6 966 800 

611 461 

61 430 

546 000 

69 000 

658 000 

69 000 

7 768 239 

7 431 000 

7 693 800 

65 061 399 

61 381 996 

63 249 757 

12 

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENDITURE ON STAFF 
RECRUITMENT AND TRANSFER 

120 

Miscellaneous expenditure on staff recruitment and transfer 

1200 

Recruitment expenses 

1201 

Installation, resettlement, and daily subsistence 
allowances and removal and travel expenses 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

107 338 

7 124 

1 554 

203 400 

12 994 

290 

179 631 

23 236 

9 934 

432 096 

258 456 

350 000 

78 817 

9 938 

70 000 

10 000 

96 000 

30 000 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
96 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Article 120 - Total 

CHAPTER 12 - TOTAL 

636 866 

636 866 

555 140 

555 140 

688 801 

688 801 

13 

130 

1300 

MISSIONS AND DUTY TRAVEL 

Missions expenses, duty travel expenses and ancillary expenditure 
Missions expenses, duty travel expenses and ancillary 
expenditure 

REACH 

Article 130 - Total 

CHAPTER 13 - TOTAL 

14 

SOCIO-MEDICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOCIAL 
WELFARE 

140 

Restaurants and canteens 

1400 

Restaurants and canteens 

141 

Medical service 

1410 

Medical service 

Article 140 - Total 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

35 418 

40 030 

53 160 

3 713 

446 

39 577 

39 577 

58 236 

6 558 

787 

65 581 

3 480 

530 

44 040 

44 040 

22 810 

1 984 

301 

25 095 

6 120 

720 

60 000 

60 000 

23 036 

2 652 

312 

26 000 

360 760 

402 737 

457 176 

40 447 

4 858 

34 947 

5 314 

52 632 

6 192 

Article 141 - Total 

406 066 

442 998 

516 000 

142 

Social welfare 

1420 

Special allowances and assistance grants 

1421 

Special allowance for handicapped 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

0 

0 

0 

11 638 

1 311 

157 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

33 506 

2 912 

442 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

30 124 

3 468 

408 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
97 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

1423 

Social contacts between staff 

144 

Early childhood centres and schooling 

1441 

Early childhood centres and schooling 

Article 142 - Total 

Article 144 - Total 

CHAPTER 14 - TOTAL 

15 

TRAINING 

150 

Further training and language courses 

1500 

Further training and language courses for staff 

Article 150 - Total 

CHAPTER 15 - TOTAL 

16 

EXTERNAL SERVICES 

160 

External services 

1601 

Administrative assistance from Union institutions 

1602 

Interim services 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

17 

ENTERTAINMENT AND REPRESENTATION EXPENSES 

Article 160 - Total 

CHAPTER 16 - TOTAL 

54 146 

6 098 

732 

74 081 

55 638 

122 268 

4 848 

764 

14 076 

1 656 

98 110 

172 000 

1 133 553 

999 796 

1 069 106 

95 057 

467 

89 493 

1 082 

123 081 

14 480 

1 229 077 

1 090 371 

1 206 667 

1 774 805 

1 656 574 

1 920 667 

1 020 834 

972 031 

1 016 400 

88 665 

10 695 

84 100 

14 172 

119 227 

14 705 

1 120 194 

1 070 303 

1 150 332 

1 120 194 

1 070 303 

1 150 332 

502 062 

494 361 

476 668 

56 538 

6 785 

40 141 

6 148 

54 876 

6 456 

875 027 

1 109 000 

1 100 000 

216 510 

49 735 

376 000 

54 700 

326 000 

51 733 

1 706 656 

2 080 350 

2 015 733 

1 706 656 

2 080 350 

2 015 733 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
98 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

170 

Entertainment and representation expenses 

1700 

Entertainment and representation expenses 

Article 170 - Total 

CHAPTER 17 - TOTAL 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

3 844 

429 

0 

4 274 

4 274 

7 672 

680 

p.m. 

8 352 

8 352 

17 940 

2 060 

p.m. 

20 000 

20 000 

Title 1 - Total 

70 343 772 

66 796 755 

69 105 290 

Title 
  Chapter 
    Article 
      Item 

2 

20 

Heading 

Appropriatio
ns 2015 

Appropriatio
ns 2016 

Appropriatio
ns 2017 

BUILDING, EQUIPMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENDITURE 

RENTAL OF BUILDINGS AND ASSOCIATED COSTS 

200 

Rental costs 

2000 

Rental costs 

201 

Insurance 

2010 

Insurance 

202 

Water, gas, electricity, heating 

2020 

Water, gas, electricity, heating 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

5 962 026 

5 564 487 

5 289 924 

317 520 

64 032 

298 155 

59 955 

616 956 

72 583 

Article 200 - Total 

6 343 578 

5 922 597 

5 979 463 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

Article 201 - Total 

Article 202 - Total 

33 302 

1 771 

354 

35 428 

264 377 

14 063 

2 813 

281 252 

7 170 

390 

80 

7 640 

p.m. 

2 978 

1 504 

4 482 

8 370 

540 

90 

9 000 

267 840 

17 280 

2 880 

288 000 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
99 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

203 

Cleaning and maintenance 

2030 

Cleaning and maintenance 

204 

Fitting out of premises 

2040 

Fitting out of premises 

205 

Security and surveillance of the building 

2050 

Security and surveillance of the building 

Article 204 - Total 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

265 247 

292 302 

309 062 

14 109 

2 822 

15 629 

3 146 

19 940 

3 324 

Article 203 - Total 

282 178 

311 077 

332 326 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

50 166 

193 970 

2 675 

534 

10 575 

2 115 

53 375 

206 660 

26 040 

1 680 

280 

28 000 

552 949 

663 532 

649 152 

29 433 

5 870 

35 382 

7 076 

41 401 

6 901 

206 

2060 

Preliminary expenditure to construction, acquisition or rental of immovable property 
Preliminary expenditure to construction,  
acquisition or rental of immovable property 

16 892 

REACH 

Article 205 - Total 

588 251 

705 990 

697 454 

Article 206 - Total 

CHAPTER 20 - TOTAL 

21 

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY 

210 

ICT equipment, software and external services 

2100 

ICT Equipment - Hardware and software 

2101 

ICT Maintenance 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

899 

179 

0 

186 299 

116 250 

9 910 

1 982 

7 500 

1 250 

198 190 

125 000 

7 584 061 

7 356 636 

7 459 243 

1 268 872 

1 066 737 

579 816 

67 493 

13 499 

1 027 848 

54 677 

56 475 

11 296 

361 832 

19 246 

66 752 

7 854 

210 726 

24 260 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

2103 

Analysis, programming, technical assistance and other 
external services for the administration of the Agency 

2106 

Telecommunications equipment 

2107 

Telecommunication charges  

Article 210 - Total 

CHAPTER 21 - TOTAL 

22 

MOVABLE PROPERTY AND ASSOCIATED COSTS 

220 

Technical equipment and installations 

2200 

Technical equipment and installations 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

10 935 

3 849 

2 855 

2 763 616 

4 445 782 

4 900 240 

212 504 

28 290 

43 778 

1 550 

81 

249 616 

47 295 

548 842 

66 373 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

135 431 

265 754 

498 021 

15 249 

1 819 

23 360 

3 420 

57 335 

6 746 

5 645 641 

6 554 662 

6 969 820 

5 645 641 

6 554 662 

6 969 820 

78 197 

219 058 

177 200 

8 782 

1 056 

19 038 

2 892 

20 400 

2 400 

221 

Furniture 

2210 

Furniture 

223 

Vehicles 

2230 

Vehicles 

Article 220 - Total 

88 036 

240 988 

200 000 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

50 995 

172 087 

113 408 

5 743 

689 

14 993 

2 290 

13 056 

1 536 

Article 221 - Total 

57 428 

189 370 

128 000 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

Article 223 - Total 

1 334 

150 

18 

1 503 

3 318 

289 

44 

3 651 

3 101 

357 

42 

3 500 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
101 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

225 

Documentation and library expenditure 

2250 

Documentation and library expenditure 

Article 225 - Total 

CHAPTER 22 - TOTAL 

23 

CURRENT ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE 

230 

Stationary and office supplies 

2300 

Stationary and office supplies 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

28 805 

3 241 

394 

32 440 

42 856 

3 725 

566 

47 147 

37 585 

1 778 

210 

39 573 

179 407 

481 155 

371 073 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

103 201 

11 585 

1 394 

92 292 

8 090 

1 218 

89 486 

10 302 

1 212 

Article 230 - Total 

116 181 

101 600 

101 000 

232 

Financial Charges 

2320 

Bank and other financial charges 

233 

Legal expenses 

2330 

Legal expenses 

235 

Other administrative expenditure 

2350 

Miscellaneous insurance 

2351 

Transportation and removal services 

Article 232 - Total 

Article 233 - Total 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

122 

0 

0 

122 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 934 

218 

26 

358 

40 

800 

p.m. 

p.m. 

800 

5 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

5 000 

6 363 

553 

84 

5 909 

514 

886 

102 

12 

1 000 

25 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

25 000 

6 645 

765 

90 

2 658 

306 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
102 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

2353 

Other operating expenditure 

2354 

Postage and delivery charges 

2355 

Business Consultancy 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

2356 

Administrative translation and interpretation costs 

REACH 

2357 

Publications 

Article 235 - Total 

CHAPTER 23 - TOTAL 

25 

MEETINGS EXPENDITURE 

250 

General meeting expenditures 

2500 

Administrative meeting expenditures 

Article 250 - Total 

CHAPTER 25 - TOTAL 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

REACH 

BIOCIDE 

PIC 

5 

0 

0 

0 

19 828 

2 226 

268 

51 692 

2 400 

288 

0 

0 

0 

549 

0 

0 

78 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

33 765 

2 935 

445 

77 725 

2 411 

426 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

2 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

36 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

30 252 

3 483 

410 

99 889 

5 513 

648 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

1 772 

204 

24 

79 832 

196 135 

133 208 

240 608 

152 695 

279 695 

7 345 

827 

99 

8 271 

8 271 

9 999 

869 

132 

11 000 

11 000 

5 316 

612 

72 

6 000 

6 000 

Title 2 - Total 

13 613 516 

14 644 061 

15 085 831 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
103 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Title 
  Chapter 
    Article 
      Item 

Heading 

Executed 
Commitment 
Appropriations 
2015 

Executed 
Payment 
Appropriations 
2015 

Commitment  
Appropriations 
2016 

Payment 
Appropriations 
2016 

Commitment  
Appropriations 
2017 

Payment 
Appropriations 
2017 

OPERATING EXPENDITURE - REACH 

REACH 

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES - IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REACH PROCESSES 

Registration, datasharing and dissemination 

562 988 

196 122 

572 000 

572 000 

1 097 000 

1 097 000 

Evaluation 

Risk Management 

Classification and labelling 

1 654 669 

218 614 

1 302 450 

1 302 450 

536 198 

272 285 

0 

0 

460 000 

20 000 

173 900 

460 000 

20 000 

173 900 

260 000 

900 000 

170 000 

223 000 

260 000 

900 000 

170 000 

223 000 

Advice and assistance through guidance and helpdesk 

154 965 

146 092 

Scientific IT tools 
Scientific and technical advice to EU institutions and 
bodies 

13 704 528 

9 858 509 

15 138 000 

15 138 000 

10 951 836 

10 951 836 

188 689 

100 469 

114 000 

114 000 

551 000 

551 000 

Article 300 - Total 

16 802 036 

10 792 092 

17 780 350 

17 780 350 

14 152 836 

14 152 836 

ECHA’S BODIES AND CROSS-CUTTING ACTIVITIES 

Committees and Forum 

Board of Appeal 

1 371 659 

1 062 472 

2 252 100 

2 252 100 

1 442 500 

1 442 500 

58 793 

24 487 

84 500 

84 500 

83 000 

83 000 

Communications including Translations 

2 852 905 

2 179 962 

4 088 490 

4 088 490 

3 886 140 

3 886 140 

International cooperation 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

Article 301 - Total 

4 283 357 

3 266 921 

6 425 090 

6 425 090 

5 411 640 

5 411 640 

MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATION AND RESOURCES 

Management Board and management of the Agency 

Article 302 - Total 

1 032 474 

1 032 474 

817 990 

817 990 

862 900 

862 900 

862 900 

862 900 

1 132 826 

1 132 826 

1 132 826 

1 132 826 

HORIZONTAL ACTIVITIES 

Missions 

External training 

REFUNDS REACH/CLP 

Refunds REACH/CLP 

534 517 

512 374 

582 000 

582 000 

594 100 

594 100 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

Article 303 - Total 

534 517 

512 374 

582 000 

582 000 

594 100 

594 100 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

30 

300 

3003 

3004 

3005 

3006 

3007 

3008 

3009 

301 

3011 

3012 

3013 

3014 

302 

3022 

303 

3030 

3031 

309 

3090 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
104 

Programming Document 2017-2019 

Article 309 - Total 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

CHAPTER 30 - TOTAL 

22 652 384 

15 389 376 

25 650 340 

25 650 340 

21 291 402 

21 291 402 

MULTIANNUAL ACTIVITIES 

SUBSTANCE EVALUATION AND RAPPORTEURS (MULTIANNUAL) 

Substance evaluation and Rapporteurs 

Article 311 - Total 

CHAPTER 31 - TOTAL 

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES 

Cooperation with OECD and other international actors 
Cooperation with international organisations for IT 
programmes 

37 390 

37 390 

37 390 

206 294 

206 294 

206 294 

294 200 

294 200 

294 200 

14 000 

14 000 

14 000 

1 188 600 

1 188 600 

1 188 600 

336 243 

336 243 

336 243 

154 900 

337 707 

1 140 000 

645 100 

300 000 

1 100 140 

Article 380 - Total 

CHAPTER 38 - TOTAL 

154 900 

154 900 

337 707 

1 140 000 

337 707 

1 140 000 

645 100 

645 100 

300 000 

1 100 140 

300 000 

1 100 140 

EARMARKED OPERATIONS 

IPA EXPENSES RELATED TO EARMARKED REVENUE 

IPA programme according to agreement 2012/291-934 

IPA programme according to agreement 2015/361-049 

Article 390 - Total 

Delegated tasks 

Delegated tasks 

Article 391 - Total 

CHAPTER 39 - TOTAL 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

0 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

p.m. 

0 

0 

p.m. 

0 

600 000 

600 000 

600 000 

600 000 

600 000 

600 000 

Title 3 - Total 

22 844 674 

15 933 378 

27 084 540 

26 309 440 

23 380 002 

23 327 785 

Heading 

Appropriations 
2015 

Appropriations 
2016 

Appropriations  
2017 

OPERATING EXPENDITURE - BIOCIDES 

BIOCIDES 

31 

311 

3111 

38 

380 

3801 

39 

390 

3902 

3903 

391 

3911 

Title 
  Chapter 
    Article 
      Item 

4 

40 

 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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400 

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES - IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BIOCIDES PROCESSES 

4000 

4001 

4003 

4007 

4008 

4009 

Substances, products and technical equivalence 
Refunds pursuant to Article 13 of the Regulation (EU) 
564/2013 
Submissions, datasharing and dissemination 

0 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

p.m. 

50 000 

p.m. 

p.m. 

Advice and assistance through guidance and helpdesk 

27 057 

30 125 

31 650 

Scientific IT tools 
Scientific and technical advice to EU institutions and 
bodies 

1 470 733 

1 374 470 

1 095 953 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

Article 400 - Total 

1 497 790 

1 404 595 

1 177 603 

401 

ECHA’S BODIES AND CROSS-CUTTING ACTIVITIES 

Biocidal products Committee and Forum 

293 162 

287 000 

489 200 

4011 

4012 

4013 

Board of Appeal 

Communications including Translations 

402 

MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATION AND RESOURCES 

4022 

Management Board and management of the Agency 

Article 401 - Total 

403 

HORIZONTAL ACTIVITIES 

4030 

4031 

Missions 

External training 

Article 402 - Total 

Article 403 - Total 

3 658 

162 591 

459 411 

126 483 

126 483 

30 293 

0 

30 293 

12 000 

80 020 

15 500 

99 714 

379 020 

604 414 

70 773 

70 773 

73 800 

p.m. 

73 800 

118 591 

118 591 

66 600 

p.m. 

66 600 

CHAPTER 40 - TOTAL 

2 113 977 

1 928 188 

1 967 208 

48 

480 

4801 

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES 

Cooperation with OECD and other international actors 
Cooperation with international organisations for IT 
programs 

Article 480 - Total 

CHAPTER 48 - TOTAL 

49 

EARMARKED OPERATIONS 

0 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

490 

4900 

4901 

BIOCIDES EXPENSES RELATED TO EARMARKED REVENUE 
BIOCIDES programme according to the service contract 
ENV.D.3/SER/2011/552228 
Preparatory work  for the implementation of the BPR, as 
per letter 13/3938 of 13/12/2013 by the Royal 
Norwegian Ministry of Environment 

Article 490 - Total 

CHAPTER 49 - TOTAL 

0 

0 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

0 

0 

p.m. 

p.m. 

0 

0 

Title 4 - Total 

2 113 977 

1 928 188 

1 967 208 

Title 
  Chapter 
    Article 
      Item 

5 

50 

Heading 

OPERATING EXPENDITURE - PIC 

PIC 

Appropriations 
2015 

Appropriations 
2016 

Appropriations 
2017 

500 

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES - IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PIC PROCESSES 

5000 

5007 

5008 

501 

5011 

5013 

Studies and consultants 

Advice and assistance through guidance and helpdesk 

Scientific IT tools 

Article 500 - Total 

ECHA’S BODIES AND CROSS-CUTTING ACTIVITIES 
Meetings with the DNAs and expert groups on PIC 
implementation 
Communications including Translations 

Article 501 - Total 

503 

HORIZONTAL ACTIVITIES 

5030 

5031 

Missions 

External training 

Article 503 - Total 

0 

0 

225 853 

225 853 

0 

208 689 

208 689 

12 855 

0 

12 855 

p.m. 

p.m. 

362 472 

362 472 

p.m. 

5 740 

5 740 

19 200 

p.m. 

19 200 

p.m. 

p.m. 

305 974 

305 974 

p.m. 

17 402 

17 402 

13 900 

p.m. 

13 900 

CHAPTER 50 - TOTAL 

447 397 

387 412 

337 276 

Title 5 - Total 

447 397 

387 412 

337 276 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex II: Table 3 - Budget outturn and cancellation of appropriations 

Calculation budget outturn  

REACH / CLP 

Budget outturn 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Reserve from the previous years' surplus (+) 

171 892 360 

160 044 885 

87 189 692 

Revenue actually received (+) 

89 183 277 

27 817 012 

24 825 943 

Payments made (-) 

-87 417 947 

-90 826 274 

-93 301 724 

Carry-over of appropriations (-) 

-10 288 735 

-10 333 258 

-10 460 492 

Cancellation of appropriations carried over (+) 

1 451 030 

490 200 

546 332 

Adjustment for carry over of assigned revenue 
appropriations from previous year (+) 

51 427 

Exchange rate differences (+/-) 

-2 645 

-2 873 

-11 794 

Adjustment for negative balance from previous year 
(-) 

Total 

164 817 340 

87 189 692 

8 839 384 

The amount of € 1 058 576 remained uncommitted. 

BIOCIDES 

Budget outturn 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Revenue actually received (+) 

Payments made (-) 

7 484 948 

7 728 121 

11 536 716 

-5 105 036 

-7 089 216 

-6 653 783 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Budget outturn 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Carry-over of appropriations (-) 

Cancellation of appropriations carried over (+) 

Adjustment for carry over of assigned revenue 
appropriations from previous year (+) 

Exchange rate differences (+/-) 

Adjustment for negative balance from previous year 
(-) 

-2 243 829 

-543 110 

-2 037 505 

178 792 

234 577 

26 444 

178 581 

0 

0 

The amount of € 636 341 remained uncommitted and is cancelled. 

Total 

314 875 

330 372 

3 050 453 

PIC 

Budget outturn 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Revenue actually received (+) 

Payments made (-) 

Carry-over of appropriations (-) 

Cancellation of appropriations carried over (+) 

Adjustment for carry over of assigned revenue 
appropriations from previous year (+) 

Exchange rate differences (+/-) 

Adjustment for negative balance from previous year 
(-) 

1 561 500 

1 297 391 

1 222 925 

-461 657 

-1 003 063 

-1 015 317 

-1 048 839 

-192 017 

-164 310 

40 762 

8 810 

2 769 

166 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Budget outturn 

Total 

2013 

2014 

2015 

91 766 

111 121 

46 233 

The amount of € 43 463 remained uncommitted and is cancelled. 

Annex III. Staff population and its evolution 

Table 1 – Overview of all categories of staff 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Table 2 – Multi-annual staff policy plan 2017-2019

Category 
and grade

Establishment plan in 
voted EU Budget 2015

Modifications envisaged in 
establishment plan 2015 in 
application of flexibility rule 

Establishment plan in the 
voted EU budget 2016

Establishment plan in the 
draft EU budget 2017

Establishment plan 2018

Establishment plan 2019

TA

TA

TA

TA

TA

TA

REAC H/
C LP

Biocides

PIC TOTAL

REAC H/
C LP

Biocides PIC TOTAL

REAC H/
C LP 

Biocides

PIC TOTAL

REAC H/
C LP

Biocides PIC TOTAL

REAC H/
C LP

Biocides PIC TOTAL

REAC H/
C LP

Biocides PIC TOTAL

AD 16
AD 15
AD 14
AD 13
AD 12
AD 11
AD 10
AD 9
AD 8
AD 7
AD 6
AD 5

Total AD
AST 11
AST 10
AST 9
AST 8
AST 7
AST 6
AST 5
AST 4
AST 3
AST 2
AST 1

Total AST
AST/SC 6
AST/SC 5
AST/SC 4
AST/SC 3
AST/SC 2
AST/SC 1

TOTAL 
AD+AST

0
1
4
14
23
29
31
48
48
48
53
9

308
0
1
7
8
12
16
29
16
18
10
5

0
0
0
1
2
3
4
7
12
6
4
0

39
0
0
0
0
1
0
3
2
3
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0

1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
3
0
0

122

9

5

0
1
4
15
25
32
35
55
61
54
57
9

348
0
1
7
8
15
16
32
18
24
10
5

136
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
1
4
15
20
31
33
48
50
52
41
8

303
0
0
6
9
12
16
31
12
19
7
5

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0

1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
3
0
0

2
3
3
6
9
5
4

32

1

3
2
1

117

7

5

0
1
5
15
18
31
36
48
49
59
31
8

301
0
0
5
7
11
15
31
19
13
5
3

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0

1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
1
2
0
0

2
3
3
6
12
5
4

35

1

3
2
3

109

9

5

0
1
4
15
22
34
36
54
60
57
45
8

336
0
0
6
9
15
16
34
14
23
7
5

129
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
1
6
15
18
31
38
49
48
61
25
6

298
0
1
4
6
11
18
27
23
13
3
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0

1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
2
0
0

2
3
4
6
12
5
6

38

1

3
3
2

106

9

6

0
1
5
15
20
34
39
54
62
64
35
8

337
0
0
5
7
14
15
34
22
18
5
3

123
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
1
7
16
19
31
39
50
50
59
21
5

298
0
1
5
8
12
18
31
17
13
1
0

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0

1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
2
2
0
0

2
3
5
10
12
4
6
1

43

1
1
3
4
1

106

10

6

0
1
6
15
20
34
42
55
61
66
31
6

337
0
1
4
6
14
18
30
28
17
3
0

121
0
0
0
0
0
0

0
1
7
16
21
34
44
60
63
63
27
6

342
0
1
5
8
15
19
34
23
16
1
0

122
0
0
0
0
0
0

430

48

6

484

420

39

6

465

410

44

6

460

404

47

7

458

404

53

7

464

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex IV:  A. Recruitment policy 

Selection procedures  

ECHA has a set of comprehensive staff selection and recruitment procedures in place covering all the key stages of the process in a clear and 
detailed manner. The aim of the selection and recruitment procedures is to recruit staff that best fit the job profile in a timely and transparent 
manner and to ensure that staff members are selected and appointed in accordance with the Staff Regulations and with due regard to the 
principles of professional qualification, transparency, equal access and non-discrimination. The selection procedure information is available on 
ECHA’s website.  

Employment Conditions  

The employment conditions of staff members employed by ECHA are governed by the Staff Regulations of Officials (SR), the Conditions of 
Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS) and the Implementing Rules adopted by ECHA. These temporary agent (TA) and 
contract agent (CA) staff are referred to as statutory staff. While both TA and CA staff are financed from staff-related expenditure (Title 1), CA’s 
are engaged by ECHA’s Appointing Authority in positions that are not included in the Establishment Plan.  

a. Officials  

ECHA does not engage officials.  

b. Temporary agents  

All temporary agents employed by ECHA are temporary agents that fall under Article 2(f) and 2(a) of the Staff Regulations.  

Temporary agent posts are classified according to the nature and responsibility of the duties, as follows: 

•  Administrator function group (AD) comprises eleven grades, from AD 5 to AD 15, corresponding to scientific, technical, administrative and 

legal duties;  

•  Assistant function group (AST) comprises ten grades, from AST 1 to AST 11, corresponding to administrative, technical and clerical duties.  

TAs are recruited by open calls for expressions of interest and may be selected for employment using either a selection procedure conducted by 
ECHA, the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) or a selection procedure organised through the Inter Agency Job Market. ECHA engages 
the services of an executive search consultancy to assist in the selection of candidates for management posts and certain high-level specialist 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

posts involving supervisory/key coordination responsibilities. The consultancy assists in the screening of applicants and in assessing management 
capabilities, utilising modern selection methods.  

ECHA adopts a systematic approach to selection planning, involving an identification of its staffing needs on a quarterly basis and the development 
and implementation of related staffing plans. TAs are appointed on 5-year contracts, which may be renewed for an additional 5 years, with the 
possibility of a second renewal for an indefinite period. In line with the necessity for staffing flexibility, ECHA also organises selection procedures 
for short-term assignments under the Temporary Agent contract, in accordance with the Article 8 of the Conditions of Employment of Other 
Servants of the European Union. In 2014, ECHA did not recruit secretaries at AST level and, for the period 2016-2018, ECHA does not intend to 
recruit any secretaries at AST level. 

c. Contract agents  

The Decision of ECHA’s Management Board MB/07/2009 (D) 3, dated 26 February 2009, is the Implementing Rule that sets out the procedure 
governing the engagement and the use of contract agents at ECHA. Again, the SWP has decided to work on new Implementing Rules that will give 
effect to the changes brought by the new SR, taking account the specificities of the agencies. Once agreed by the SWP, ECHA is committed to 
adopt these IRs (subject to Commission agreement). 

Contract agent positions are classified in four function groups corresponding to the nature and responsibilities involved:  

• Function Group I: administrative and manual support service tasks  

• Function Group II: clerical and secretarial tasks, office management and other equivalent tasks  

• Function Group III: administrative, finance and other equivalent technical tasks, and  

• Function Group IV: operational, scientific and equivalent technical tasks.  

Contract Agents are appointed on 3-year contracts, which may be renewed for an additional 3 years, with the possibility of a second renewal for 
an indefinite period. For the registration deadline, ECHA is planning on using specific shorter term CA contracts as well. 

d. Seconded national experts67 

67 SNEs are not employed by the agency 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

ECHA engages seconded national experts (SNEs) for highly specialised positions requiring a high level of expertise. ECHA publishes a call for 
expressions of interest on its website and the procedure is conducted in a transparent manner. Typically, the length of secondment is for one year 
(renewable) however, ECHA has engaged experts for shorter periods. 

e. Structural service providers68 

Structural service providers carry out specialised outsourced tasks, principally in the area of information technology. The tender procedures 
adopted follow the best practice procurement rules and the duration of contracts vary in accordance with the specific nature of the contract. ECHA 
is committed to ensuring that the number of structural service providers will be reduced in the coming years. 

f. External staff for occasional replacement69  

External staff may be contracted by ECHA from a contractor (employment agency) to work at ECHA on a temporary basis, for a limited period of 
time, to cover absences, work peaks, specific projects, etc. ECHA is committed ensuring that the numbers of operational interims will be reduced 
in the coming years, except in 2018 when ECHA anticipates a peak in registrations. 

g. Traineeships  

Traineeships are targeted at university graduates who are aiming for a career related to chemicals or activities in ECHA’s stakeholder community.  

For the period 2017–2019, ECHA estimates the following intake of graduate trainees: 

Year 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

Trainees  25 

30 

30 

30 

68 Structural service providers are not employed by the agency   
69 External staff for occasional replacements is not employed by the agency 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex IV:  B. Appraisal of performance and reclassification/promotions 

Table 1 - Reclassification of temporary staff/promotion of officials 

Category 
and grade 

Staff in activity 
at 1.01.2014 

How many staff 
members were 
promoted / 
reclassified in 
2015 

Average number 
of years in grade 
of 
reclassified/pro
moted staff 
members in 2015 

officials 

TA 

officials 

TA 

AD 16 

AD 15 

AD 14 

AD 13 

AD 12 

AD 11 

AD 10 

AD 9 

AD 8 

AD 7 

AD 6 

AD 5 

Total AD 

AST 11 

AST 10 

0 

1 

1 

6 

16 

17 

26 

44 

42 

57 

63 

57 

330 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

2 

2 

1 

15 

20 

7 

48 

0 

0 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

5.38 

N/A 

5.15 

4.96 

5.00 

4.51 

4.10 

4.25 

4.76 

N/A 

N/A 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

AST 9 

AST 8 

AST 7 

AST 6 

AST 5 

AST 4 

AST 3 

AST 2 

AST 1 

Total AST 

Total 

2 

1 

6 

11 

18 

27 

41 

15 

14 

135 

465 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

10 

7 

3 

5 

26 

74 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

4.75 

4.13 

4.32 

4.45 

3.99 

4.33 

4.54 

Table 2 - Reclassification of contract staff 

Function 
Group 

Grade  Staff in activity 

at 1.01.2014  

How many 
staff 
members 
were 
reclassified in 
2015 

Average 
number of 
years in grade 
of reclassified 
staff 
members in 
2015 

CA IV 

18 

17 

0 

0 

0 

0 

N/A 

N/A 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

CA III 

CA II 

CA I 

Total 

2 

0 

9 

6 

0 

0 

11 

27 

13 

0 

0 

9 

7 

0 

0 

3 

87 

0 

0 

1 

2 

0 

0 

1 

1 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

9 

N/A 

N/A 

3.63 

3.81 

N/A 

N/A 

5.46 

4.75 

4.94 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

N/A 

3.12 

4.28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

The agency's policy on performance appraisal and promotion/reclassification – short description 

Following the extensive work of the Inter-Agency Standing Working Group ECHA’s has adopted by analogy in 2015 a new policy with respect to 
performance appraisal articulated in the ECHA Decision (MB/74/2015) on performance appraisal of temporary agents and contracts agents dated 
18 June 2015 (implementing Article 43 of the Staff Regulations) and Article 15(2) of the CEOS.  

ECHA’s  policy  with  respect  to  promotion/reclassification  is  articulated  in  the  ECHA  Decision  (MB/74/2010)  on  the  policy  and  procedure  for  the 
reclassification of Temporary Agents dated 17 December 2010 (implementing Article 10 of the Staff Regulations and Article 10 of the CEOS).  

ECHA is actively engaging with the Inter-Agency Standing Working Group with respect to adapting its reclassification systems, in accordance with 
the requirements of the new Staff Regulations.  

As a guiding principle, ECHA’s establishment plan evolution and the annual reclassification exercise is carried out in line with the multiplication rate 
for guiding the average career equivalence, as provided for in Article 6 and Annex IB of the Staff Regulations, and on the basis of comparative merit. 

Annex IV.  C. Mobility policy  

Mobility within ECHA 

ECHA revised its internal mobility policy in 2014, in collaboration with the Staff Committee, with the objective of encouraging mobility within the 
organisation and attracting candidates with profiles that can be used in ECHA’s various Directorates. In 2015, eight (8) staff members availed of 
internal mobility opportunities within ECHA. 

Mobility between Agencies (Inter-Agency Job Market) 

ECHA signed the Inter-Agency Job Market agreement in January 2008 and is supportive of the Inter-Agency Job Market, in particular for posts that 
may be considered attractive for potential candidates in other Agencies.  In 2015, there were no Inter Agency Mobility calls published by ECHA. 

Mobility between the Agencies and the Institutions 

ECHA encourages mobility between the Agencies and the European Institutions and welcomes candidates from such Agencies and Institutions. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex IV:  D. Gender and geographical balance  

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex IV:  E. Schooling 

Legal Basis 

The European Schooling Helsinki (ESH) opened in September 2008 to provide education for the children of ECHA staff, following the enactment of 
the ESH Act on 1 January 2008. The ESH is maintained by the State of Finland and it annually concludes an attainment contract with the Finnish 
National Board of Education. It is organised on the basis of the educational structure of the European Schools, providing education based on the 
syllabi of the European Schools. It is an Accredited European School and is administered and funded by the Finnish Government, which receives 
EU subsidies[1], and own revenues generated through certain fees. The Act provides that the children of ECHA staff (Category I pupils) have an 
entitlement to enrolment at ESH. In 2009, an amendment to the Act on European Schooling Helsinki was adopted to facilitate admission of 
Category II (non-ECHA) pupils to the School. Category II pupils may apply for enrolment in the ESH since 2010 and, presently, approximately 40 
% of the pupils are of category II. 

Administration 

The School is managed by a Director and an Administrative Board (consisting of a chair, a vice-chair and a maximum of 8 members), which is 
appointed for a term of 4 years. Although being the main stakeholder of the ESH, ECHA has only one vote on the Administrative Board.  

The School has three language sections – Finnish, French and English – and education is divided into a 2-year nursery cycle (Years NI-N2); a 5-
year primary cycle (Years P1-P5) and a 7-year secondary cycle (Years S1-S7). The student numbers for ECHA related children for the school year 
2015-2016 are the following: nursery: 17, primary: 83 and secondary: 46. The total number of ECHA related children is therefore 146, and it is 
envisaged that this number remains relatively stable within the next years. 

Accreditation 

The ESH is linked to the European Schools system through an Accreditation and Cooperation Agreement, which was initially signed on 20 January 
2009. Following an audit of ESH, conducted in December 2010, the Secretary General, representing the Board of Governors of the European 
Schools, signed an Additional Agreement to the Accreditation and Cooperation Agreement on 26 May 2011, recognising the European schooling 
provided by European Schooling Helsinki for secondary years 6 and 7 and the European Baccalaureate. The School has offered the European 
Baccalaureate for the first time in 2013.  

[1] Note: As of 01 July 2011, based on the EU Contribution Agreement entered into with the European Commission, Finland received financial contributions from the EU budget based on 
the number of Category I children enrolled in the ESH in the given year. This system was amended in 2013 with the consequence that for the school year 2014/2015, ECHA has to 
pay the subsidy out of its own budget, which amounts to €1.2 Million. 

 
 
 
 
                                           
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

The ESH has joined the network of Accredited European Schools in 2011. ECHA participates in the meetings of the network together with other EU 
Agencies in order to exchange best practices and to further strengthen the provision of European Schooling, which is essential for staff recruitment 
and retention. 

Issues 

The availability of a high quality of education in Helsinki is a critical attraction and retention factor for ECHA and, in this respect, the ESH is a key 
stakeholder for ECHA. There is a clear requirement for the School’s budget – and, specifically, the subsidy from the Finnish state - to be 
maintained at a sufficient level to continue to ensure the provision of a high quality of education at the School. ECHA will, through its presence on 
the Administrative Board and interactions with other stakeholders, continue to represent the interests of ECHA staff on this issue. 

ECHA joined the Sub-Network of EU Agencies on Accredited European Schools (SNAES) within the Network of the Heads of Administration to 
ensure coordination and mutual support among Agencies on this important topic. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex V: Buildings  

Current building(s) 

Name, location  and type of 
building 

Other Comment 

Information to be provided per 
building: 

Annankatu 18 (AK18) 

Lonnrotinkatu 12 (LK) 

Bulevardi (BL) 

Surface area (in square metres) 

24 809 m2 

- 

- 

Of which office space 

          15 823 m2 

Of which non-office 
space 

            8 986 m2 

Annual rent (in EUR) 

6 048 048 € 

Type and duration of rental contract 

Leas contract until 31.12.2019 
(with a purchase option until 
30.06.2019) 

Host country grant or support  

No 

Present value of the building 

building/A 

ECHA has negotiated with the building’s landlord to reduce the rented surface by terminating the rental contract for Lönnrotinkatu 12 with effect 
from 1 January 2016. This reduced the rental surface by 1.718m2 (or an estimated reduction in rent of 24.941€/month - that is 4,75% of the total 
rent). From January 2017 only the office space in Lönnrotinkatu building will be rented.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Building projects in planning phase 

Following the expiration of the current lease contract of ECHA’s office building by 31.12.2019, a preparatory assessment on ECHA workplace 
environment has been completed. In addition a market survey has been launched preceding the market prospect that will be included in the 
negotiation procedure foreseen to start in Q2 2016.  Negotiations are foreseen to conclude between the end of 2016 and beginning of 2017. 

Building projects submitted to the European Parliament and the Council 

The current planning foresees the submittal of a proposed building project to the Budgetary Authority at the earliest mid-2017. 

Annex VI.  Privileges and immunities 

The privileges and immunities of staff and the Agency are contained in the respective Protocol to the EU Treaty. Moreover, further effect is given 
by the Seat Agreement signed between Finland and ECHA on 28 June 2007. 

Agency privileges 

Protocol of privileges and immunities / diplomatic 
status 

Education / day care 

Privileges granted to staff 

 Inviolability 

Immunity  from  jurisdiction  regarding  official 
capacity 

Same access to daycare organised 
by municipalities as Finnish nationals 

 Facilitations  for 
Communications 

Exemption from registration requirements 

 Access to Finnish school system 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Duty  free  import  of  goods  upon  taking  up 
services 

Reimbursement of VAT between 1 June 2007 
and 31 May 2009 (no longer in place) 

Right to free export when leaving the service 

Exemption from taxes on EU salaries 

Exemption  from  national  car  tax  once  every 
three years 

Executive  Director  and  Directors 
diplomatic status 

join 

Temporary 
members who are not EU / EEA nationals 

residence  permits 

to 

family 

Issuance  of  personal  cards  through  the 
Foreign Ministry 

Issuance of Finnish identity numbers 

Access to European Schooling 
through the European Schooling 
Helsinki 

Assistance  and 
Cooperation 
in 
Security Matters 

Exemption from 
all duties and 
taxes 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex VII. Evaluations  

In 2015 ECHA established its evaluations approach, after benchmarking with other agencies and analysing its current initiatives and projects. The 
aim of the approach is to build upon existing information and methods in order to ensure effective and efficient use of ECHA’s resources. The 
ultimate goal is to improve ECHA’s operations through better decision-making and learning from past decisions. The evaluations and the 
implementation of the findings should help ECHA in optimally investing in those activities, projects and programmes that help to achieve our 
corporate objectives.  

The framework for ex-ante and ex-post post evaluations was agreed to be built upon the existing Prince2 methodology by strengthening the 
existing project/programme governance framework for ex-post and ex-ante evaluations. Thus, the Prince2 methodology will be expanded to 
ensure that the 5 key evaluation criteria are covered and there is an emphasis on cost-benefit analysis.   

The first multi-annual and annual rolling evaluation plan was drafted and a pilot ex-ante and ex-post evaluation performed by an external 
contractor. 

An Evaluation coordination function (ECF) was established to ensure the methodological quality and consistency when implementing the rolling 
plan and to coordinate the reporting obligations of the Authorising Officer. Working groups (WGs) on the individual evaluations will be established 
on a case-by-case basis. 

Draft multi-annual and annual rolling evaluation plan 

Project 

Indicative 
start time 
period 

Q4/2015 

Assess the results of the Enterprise content 
management (ECM) programme based on the 
outcome of the Benefits realisation 
management exercise (outsourced analysis 
covering the ECM programme retrospectively 
and the future ECM strategy) 

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ECF 

DCM 

Comments 

•  Assess the coverage of the 5 evaluation criteria in the ex-post 
evaluation and the cost-benefit-risk analysis in the ex-ante 
evaluation 

•  Collect lessons learnt and the relevant elements from the 

BRM for the purpose of future evaluations  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Q2/2016  

retrospectively and the future ECM strategy) 

Perform an evaluation of the Chemical Safety 
Assessment (CSA) programme and the 
Roadmap of the Chemical Safety 
Report/Exchange Network of Exposure 
Scenarios to contribute to the future of this 
work 

ECF and 
WG 

DCM 

•  Evaluate the coverage of the 5 criteria in the CSA programme 

with own resources and CSR/ES Roadmap and ENES via 
outsourcing  

•  Decide on the future of  the CSA programme and CSR/ES 

RoadmapENES strategy following the results of the evaluation 

Q2/2016 

Perform an ex-ante evaluation of the future 
options of ECHA building strategy and project 

ECF and 
WG 

DCM 

•  Evaluate different management arrangements and options 

from cost-benefit perspective, e.g. ranging from renting the 
current premises to renting new premises (built or still to be 
built) over the design, construction and management of a 
proper premise.  

Q3/2016  

Assess the feasibility of using / expanding 
Article 117(2) report as an ex-post evaluation 
of all Work programme activities of ECHA  

ECF and 
WG 

DCM 

•  Consider covering the 5 criteria in Article 117 (2) report thus 

enabling the Commission to perform their own ex-post 
evaluation 

Q1/2017 

Perform an evaluation of all IT projects having 
relation to the registration deadline for 2018 
(e.g. REACH-IT 3.1 and IUCLID 6.1)  

ECF and 
WG 

DCM 

•  Evaluate the coverage of the 5 criteria  with own resources or 

via outsourcing (fitness check)  

Q3/2017 

Perform an ex-post evaluation of ECHA 
Efficiency programme 

ECF and 
WG 

DCM 

•  Evaluate the coverage of the 5 criteria including the benefits 
of the programme vs its cumulative cost (fitness check)    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex VIII. Risks 2017 

ECHA conducts an annual risk management exercise. The aim is to identify, assess and manage the potential events that could put the 
achievement of objectives defined in the Work Programme 2017 (WP 2017) at risk. As a result of this exercise a number of risks were identified, 
assessed and considered in the preparation of the WP 2017. 

ECHA’s management identified seven main risks. These are the most sensitive with regard to their likelihood of occurrence and potential impact on 
the implementation of the WP 2017. For these seven main risks, mitigation measures have been defined whose effectiveness will be closely 
monitored throughout the year. 

Three of the selected risks were classified as ‘Reduce’. For these risks an action plan is detailed in the table below, to ensure that the risk response 
is effectively carried out and to reduce the likelihood of these risks impacting the implementation of the WP 2017. 

The remaining identified risks were classified as ‘Accept’, meaning that ECHA’s management accepts the risk. Nevertheless, there will be 
continuous monitoring of these risks throughout 2017, and re-evaluation if necessary to ensure that they are kept under control. 

More details on the risks and action plans in the table here below 

 
 
 
 
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Annex IX. Procurement plan 2017  

Contract subject 

Estimated 
budget (€) 

Budget line 

Procurement channel 

Foreseen 
launch 

Foreseen 
signature 

IT support and maintenance services for the 
text analytics application 

Services to support SID (Substance Identity) 
assessment: scientific reports from experts on 
"rare" substance types coming up to 2018 (low 
volume substances) 
Expert training on e.g. IUPAC nomenclature for 
coordination complexes 

60 000 

3003 

FWC ECHA/2011/103.Lot 3 

60 000 

3003 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 Lot 2 

Support to SMEs, 2nd round 2018 roadmap 

30 000 

3003 

FWC ECHA 2015/50 Lot 1  

Specialised scientific services in chemical safety 
assessment to support the development of the 
Chemical Safety Assessment (CHESAR) tool  

134 500 

3003  Negotiated procedures with at least 
three/five candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1)  

Q2 

Q3 

Q3 

Q3 

Q3 

Q4 

Q4 

Q4 

Scientific services targeting challenging topics 
from Dossier Evaluation (one or more 
contracts) 

Several contracts for risk management 
identification services: services to develop an 
approach for assessing potential (socio-
economic) impact of potential future regulatory 
measures at Risk Management Option Analysis 
stage 

50 000 

3004 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 Lot 1 

Q2/Q3 

Q3/Q4 

120 000 

3005 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 Lot 1 and 
FWC/2015/256 

Q2/Q3 

Q3/Q4 

 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Enhancing the understanding and interactions 
of ECHA with the supply chains of substances  

Scientific services on challenging issues raised 
by Applications for Authorisation (two specific 
contracts: Dose-response (25 000), Meta-
analysis (30 000).  

Several contracts for implementation of 
substitution activities: capacity building, 
analysis of alternatives - Evaluation studies  

One or more contracts for services to prepare 
Annex XV restriction dossiers on selected 
substances  

Services to improve the methodologies of socio-
economic analysis carried out for risk 
management of chemicals:  Follow-up to the 
willingness to pay survey (preparation of the 
survey instrument with OECD, US EPA and Env 
&Health Canada) and other SEA related 
activities.  (Several contracts) 

Studies, consultancy, experts related to Act. 
Classification and Labelling 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME ECM & ECHA 
Interacts:  IT business services, helpdesk, 
change management, service desk for Dynamic 
Case, Portal Dashboard, ODYSSEY 

50 000 

3005 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 

Q3 

Q4 

55 000 

3005 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 

Q2/Q3 

Q3/Q4 

100 000 

3005 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 Lot 1 and 
FWC/2016/130 

Q3 

Q4 

150 000 

3005 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 Lot 1 

Q2/Q3 

Q3/Q4 

100 000 

3005 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 Lot 1 and 
FWC/2015/256 

Q3 

Q4 

15 000 

3006  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q2/Q3 

Q3/Q4 

one candidate > € 15 000 FR 
104/RAP 137(2) 

1 360 700 

3008 

FWC/2014/86, FWC/2015/321 

Q4-2016-
Q1/Q2-2017 

Q1-Q4 

 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Updating the XML format and potentially the PC 
editor 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME ECM & ECHA 
Interacts:  IT business services, helpdesk, 
change management, service desk for Dynamic 
Case, Portal Dashboard, ODYSSEY 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME IT Services 
for Industry: ECHA Cloud for SMEs, REACH-IT, 
Chesar, EUSES, new initiatives 

30 000 

3008 

DI-7360 SIDE 

Q1 

Q1 

1 360 700 

3008 

FWC/2014/86, FWC/2015/321 

Q4-2016-
Q1/Q2-2017 

Q1-Q4 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME IT Services 
for Industry: Chesar, IUCLID, Reach_IT, 
EUSES, R4BP, ePIC 

933 434 

3008, 4008 
and 5008 

1 959 113 

3008, 4008 

ECHA/2010/95N, 
FWC/2011/103/Lot 1 and 3, 
HANSEL  

FWC/2011/103/Lot 1 and 3 

Q4-2016-
Q1/Q2-2017 

Q1-Q4 

Q4-2016-
Q1/Q2-2017 

Q1-Q4 

PROGRAMME Management Information 
Systems: Remedy licences and services 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME Data 
Management Services: BIDI,  Dissemination 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME Data 
Management Services: BIDI, ClassLab, 
Deficiencies and concerns, Dissemination 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME iTex Service 
Desk: Interim services, Reach-IT and R4BP 
ECHA service desk 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME ICT 
Procurement: MAINTENANCE: HARDWARE and 
SOFTWARE 

302 000 

3008 

DI-7360 SIDE 

Q4-2016-
Q1/Q2-2017 

Q2 

490 000 

3008 

ECHA/2014/86 

Q2 

Q2/Q3 

1 910 000 

3008 

ECHA/2014/86, ECHA/2011/103-
lot 1 and Lot 3 

Q4-2016-
Q1/Q2-2017 

Q1/Q3 

451 320 

3008, 4008 

ECHA/2014/344 
ECHA/2011/103/Lot 1  

Q4-2016-
Q1/2017 

Q1/Q2 

866 925 

3008 

DG DIGIT FWCs 

Q4-2016-
Q3/2017 

Q1-Q4 

 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

PROGRAMME ICT Procurement: Programme 
management services 

PROGRAMME ICT Security: MEETING: 1 SON 
meeting 

Horizontal activities: IT Programme 
management activities 

PROGRAMME IT services for industry: Project 
new initiatives (Poison Centres System) 

Topical Scientific Workhop 2017 (New Approach 
Methods) 

Relationship & potential use of ToxCast /Tox21 
data (project 2) 

Applicability of in vitro/in silico toxicokinetic 
(TK) information to enhance read-across 
(project 1) 

50 000 

3008 

ECHA/2014/86 

Q4-2016 

Q1 

40 000 

3008 

Catering and travel FWCs 

Q3 

110 000 

3008 

FWC ECHA/2011/103/Lot 1 and 3 

Q4-2016 

40 000 

3008 

FWC ECHA/2011/103/Lot 3 

Q1 

30 000 

3009  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q2 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1) 

50 000 

3009  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q3 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1) 

50 000 

3009  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q3 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1) 

Q3 

Q1 

Q1 

Q3 

Q4 

Q4 

Q4 

Q4 

Testing strategy for endocrine disruptors. 

50 000 

3009  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q3 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1) 

Non-extractable residues (NERs). 

30 000 

3009  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q3 

Orders for Printing and design services 

32 000 

3013 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1) 
FWC ECHA/2016/30 

Q1 - Q4 

Q1-Q4 

 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Services for Website development and 
maintenance 

375 000 

3013, 4013 

FWC ECHA/2014/110 

Media and social media monitoring services 

95 000 

3013 

FWC ECHA/2016/53 

Audiovisual services (2 videos related e.g. to 
the launch of the nano/consumer micro site and 
REACH benefits) 

80 000 

3013 

SLA with Office for Publications, 
which will be responsible for the 
procurement 

Q1 

Q1 

Q1 

Corporate Identity revision 

54 000 

3013  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q3 

Restructuring of ECHA human health data 
"restructuring ECHA data project" 

100 000 

3801 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1)  
FWC ECHA/2016/71 

200 000 

3801 

FWC ECHA/2014/86 

Q3 

Q3 

Q1 

Q3 

Q2 

Q4 

Q3 

Q4 

Development and maintenance in 2016 of 
ECHEM Portal (the Global Portal to Information 
on Chemical Substances) 

Strategic policy stakeholder interaction 
(studies) 

Certification ISO 9001: follow-up audit. 
Certification ISO 14001: follow-up audit , other 
quality related costs 

200 000 

3022  Negotiated procedures with at least 

Q2/Q3 

Q3/Q4 

one/three/five candidates FR 
104/RAP 137(1) 

60 000 

3022 

FWC ECHA/2013/483 

Q2 

Q3 

Legal and court cases, ad-hoc legal advice 
(several contracts) 

255 000 

3022, 4022 

Exceptional negotiated procedure 
under Art. 134.1.i) RAP or low-
value negotiated procedures 

Q1-Q4 

Q1-Q4 

Advice on IPR 

90 000 

3022 

FWC JRC 

Q2 

Q3 

 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Consulting services on corporate Planning and 
Monitoring 

IT audit consultancy to support the Internal 
Audit Capability 

IT audit consultancy to support Evaluations of 
ICT systems 

Streamlining of processes under efficiency 
programme 

Streamlining of processes under efficiency 
programme (tools, assessments, analysis, 
audits, etc. based on assessed needs) 

55 000 

3022  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q2 

Q3 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1) 

40 000 

3022  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q1 

Q2 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1) 

40 000 

3022  Negotiated procedure with at least 

Q2 

three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1) 

100 000 

3022  Extension of Service Contract ECHA 

Q1 

2016/193 

65 000 

3022  HANSEL or negotiated procedures 

Q2 

Q3 

Q1 

Q3 

with at least five candidates FR 
104/RAP 137 (1) 

Open or competitive  procedure 
with negotiation (FWC for 7 years, 
value TBD) 

Q1 

Q4 

FWC for Cloud and managed IT services 

0 

3008 

FWC for IT services related to Biocides and PIC 
regulations and other IT Systems 

FWC for IT services for IT solutions for industry 
under REACH 

FWC for data management services and 
application management services 

PROGRAMME ICT Helpdesk: IdMCC 
maintenance 

600 000 

4008, 5008  Open procedure (FWC for 4 years, 

Q1 

Q3 

value TBD) 

0 

0 

3008  Open procedure ( FWC for 4 years, 

Q3 

Q3-2018 

value TBD) 

3008, 4008 
and 5008 

Open procedure (FWC for 4 years, 
value TBD) 

Q2 

Q4-2017 

24 000 

3008 

ECHA/2011/103/Lot 1 

Q2 

Q3 

 
 
 
 
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Several contracts for PROGRAMME ADSM & 
Release management: application management 
services for Reach-IT/IDM/R4BP/ePIC, Diss, 
eChemPortal, Portal Dashboard, Website, 
Documentum; Oracle and Unix operating 
systems services 

Several contracts for PROGRAMME ECM & ECHA 
Interacts:  Documentum Platform & Software 
Upgrade,  Governance support, IT Technical 
Services: CIRCA-BC (IT Infra hosting and 
operations) 

1 438 679 

3008, 4008 
and 5008 

FWC/2010/95N, FWC/2014/86, 
FWC/2015/321, DG DIGIT FWC 

Q4-2016-
Q1/Q2-2017 

Q1-Q4 

693 428 

3008 

ECHA/2015/321, MoU DG DIGIT 

Q4-2016-
Q1/Q2-2017 

Q1-Q4 

Services for Biocides activities  

50 000 

4000 

FWC ECHA/2015/50 Lot 1 or 
Negotiated procedure with at least 
three candidates FR 104/RAP 
137(1)   

Q3 

Q4 

FWC for travel services (4 years, overall value 
of 8 MEUR) 

Multiple FWC (cascade) for Interim staff for 
ECHA 

2 000 000 

Several 

HANSEL 

Q4/2016 

Q1/2017 

2 000 000 

Several 

Open procedure (the overall 
estimated value of the FWC for 4 
years is 8 000 000) 

Q4/2016 

Q1/2017 

TOTAL SUM: 

19 909 263 

The Plan includes operational procurement of ECHA in 2017 
≥15000 € 

 
 
 
 
  
 
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Annex X. Organisation chart 2017  

 
 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

Annex XI. IT resources 

ECHA IT  RESOURCES 

IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

Main tool for technical dossier preparation for Industry in 
REACH, CLP and BPR. 

Used as the central database of dossiers for the regulatory work 
of ECHA and for the work of national Competent Authorities in 
REACH, CLP and BPR. 

1.1.1 Registration dossier preparation  

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission  

1.1.3 Evaluation 

1.2.1 Identifying needs for Regulatory Risk 
Management 

1.2.2 Authorisation 

1.2.3 Restrictions 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

IUCLID         

Tool for preparation of applications for authorisation. 

1.3 Biocides 

CHESAR 

QSAR Toolbox 

Supports registrants to carry out their safety assessments in a 
structured manner, prepare their chemical safety reports (CSRs) 
and generate their exposure scenarios for communication in the 
supply chain. 

1.1.1 Registration dossier preparation  

1.1.4 Communication of risk management 
advice through the supply chain 

Software application intended to be used by OECD member 
countries, chemical industry and other stakeholders in filling 
gaps in data needed for assessing the hazards of chemicals. 

1.1.1 Registration dossier preparation 

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

REACH-IT 

Submission web application for REACH and CLP, as well as the 
tool for automated processing of submission, granting a 

The tool for inquiry submission and processing.  

1.1.1 Registration dossier preparation  

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission 

 
 
 
 
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ECHA IT  RESOURCES 

IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

registration number or PPORD notification number, once 
technical completeness and other relevant rules are met. 

1.2.2 Authorisation 

1.2.4 Classification and labelling 

Invoicing tool for fee based submissions.  

It offers a secure communication inbox used for all 
communication with registrants, used also by non-submission 
regulatory processes (e.g. communication of evaluation 
decisions). 

Submission tool for the applications for authorisation. 

Odyssey  

Guides the scientific decision-making process and ensures 
consistency & traceability. 

1.1.3 Evaluation 

ECHA’s website is the primary communication vehicle of the 
Agency. It is the fundamental source of information and 
guidance for companies seeking to comply with the legislation on 
chemicals. It is essential reading for dossier preparation, 
registration and dossier submission and evaluation. 

It informs and is the vehicle for public consultation in the 
different steps of the Authorisation process, on Restrictions, on 
CLP and on Biocides. 

It is the source of information for notifiers and DNAs on PIC and 
for companies wishing to appeal decisions.   

1.1.1 Registration dossier preparation  

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission  

1.1.3 Evaluation 

1.1.4 Communication of risk management 
advice through the supply chain 

1.2.1 Identifying needs for regulatory risk 
management 

1.2.2 Authorisation 

1.2.3 Restrictions 

Website 

ECHA’s website is the source of information on procurement 
exercises. 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

1.3 Biocides 

 
 
 
 
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ECHA IT  RESOURCES 

IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

It is the channel through which ECHA communicates its 
vacancies.  

1.4 PIC 

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

It is the channel through which ECHA demonstrates who we are, 
what we do, how we are structured, how we make decisions and 
how stakeholders can engage with us. 

Remedy and its 
customisation Helpex 

IT service management tool in which the enquiries, service 
requests and incidents are stored for processing and a database 
for regular reporting on ECHA services. 

2.1.4 Board of Appeal 

2.3.1 Financial resources 

2.3.2 Human resources 

Management 

1.1.1 Registration dossier preparation  

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission 

1.1.3 Evaluation  

1.1.4 Communication of risk management 
advice through the supply chain 

1.2.2 Authorisation 

1.2.3 Restrictions 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

1.3 Biocides 

1.4 PIC 

2.1.3 HelpNet and Security Officers Network 

Dynamic Case  

Case management tool to support the creation and processing of 
business cases at the same time providing a repository for the 
documents generated. It ensures traceability of the process 

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission  

1.1.3 Evaluation 

 
 
 
 
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ECHA IT  RESOURCES 

IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

steps also for auditing and other legal aspects (e.g. access to 
data, appeals). 

1.2.1 Identifying needs for Regulatory Risk 
Management  

1.2.2 Authorisation 

1.2.3 Restrictions 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

1.3 Biocides 

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

2.1.1 Committees 

2.1.2 Forum 

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission  

1.1.3 Evaluation 

1.2.2 Authorisation 

1.2.3 Restrictions 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

1.3 Biocides 

2.1.1 Committees 

2.1.2 Forum 
2.1.3 HelpNet and Security Officers Network 

Secure CIRCA-BC 

External collaboration tool used to exchange documents with 
MSCAs. 

2.1.4 Board of Appeal 

2.2 Management 

 
 
 
 
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ECHA IT  RESOURCES 

IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

Reporting 

IT for Screening 

Automated reporting is a key instrument to monitor, manage 
and inform about submissions, fee income and related data; the 
status of cases opened for evaluation: it is a crucial tool for the 
regular reports on evaluation foreseen in the regulations (e.g. 
Article 117 (2) report). 

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission  

1.1.3 Evaluation 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

ECHA develops algorithms and uses powerful dedicated data 
mining tools to screen the high volume of dossiers submitted 
and identify candidates for compliance checks according to the 
compliance checks strategy. 

1.2.1 Identifying needs for Regulatory Risk 
Management 

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

1.1.3 Evaluation 

Portal Dashboard for 
MSCAs/ NEAs 

Dissemination Portal 

Portals for Competent Authorities and National Enforcement 
Authorities (NEAs) under REACH and CLP to access integrated 
data around chemical substance (scientific data and regulatory 
data related to registration, risk management, substance 
evaluation). 

ECHA stores and integrates data on chemicals which represent 
one of the largest knowledge bases in the world on scientific and 
hazardous properties, experimental study data, safe use, risk 
management measures, classification and labelling. Complex 
and resource intensive IT support has been developed by ECHA 
to give facilitated access to the public to such knowledge base. 

1.2.1 Identifying needs for Regulatory Risk 
Management 

1.2.2 Authorisation 

1.2.3 Restrictions 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

2.1.2 Forum 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

1.1.2 Registration and dossier submission  

1.3 Biocides 

1.4 PIC 

 
 
 
 
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Programming Document 2017-2019 

ECHA IT  RESOURCES 

IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

C&L Platform 

R4BP 

SPC Editor 

ePIC 

MSCAs IUCLID central 
database for 
REACH&CLP;  

Web-based discussion forum to support Industry fulfilling their 
legal obligation to agree on the classification and labelling for 
substances which appear to be the same but have been 
differently classified by different companies. 

1.2.4 Classification and Labelling 

Used by Industry for submitting applications under the Biocidal 
Products Regulation to ECHA and by ECHA/MSCAs for providing 
applicants with the related decisions. R4BP represents the 
implementation of the register for Biocidal products foreseen in 
the legislation. 

1.3 Biocides 

Tool for Industry and MSCAs to process the Summary of Product 
Characteristics as foreseen in the BPR 

1.3 Biocides 

Web application used by Industry for submitting PIC notifications 
to ECHA. 

Central IT tool for all the actors involved in PIC: Industry, ECHA, 
Designated National Authorities, Customs, European 
Commission: all the actors interact using the tool. 

1.4 PIC 

Two large central databases of scientific data in IUCLID format 
opening direct access and full IUCLID functionalities to MSCAs.  

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

 
 
 
 
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IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

MSCAs IUCLID central 
database for Biocides 

Data Integration 
Platform 

The Data Integration Platform is the data management system 
to provide data integration and aggregation, business 
intelligence and reporting on business data; 

It provides integrated data to consuming systems, notably the 
Dissemination Portal, the Portal dashboard for MSCAs and for 
the Enforcement Authorities.  

It enables the re-use of data without duplication, advanced 
searches, data intelligence; capabilities which make the data 
usable and meaningful for consumption. 

COMA 

Contact Management tool used to manage lists of contacts (as 
Management Board or Committees members, experts listed by 
expertise, legal contacts, etc.), to search and sort data. 

Planning and reporting 
integrated IT solution 

A set of solutions serving planning, monitoring and reporting on 
corporate work, human resources and financial resources 

1.5 Data management and dissemination 

2.1.1 Committees 

2.1.2 Forum 

2.1.3 HelpNet and Security Officers Network 

2.2 Management 

2.2 Management 

2.3.1 Financial resources 

2.3.2 Human resources 

ECM - Records 
Management system 

System capable of storing and managing ECHA records 
according to ECHA filing plan, information security rules, 
retention rules, etc. making records immutable. 

2.2 Management 

 
 
 
 
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IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

ECHAnet 

Intranet of ECHA – the Agency’s primary internal communication 
and collaboration tool. 

2.2 Management 

ECM-Document 
Management System 

Mail registry 

Platform used by ECHA’s personnel to store and collaborate on 
documents applying the internal policies and procedures on 
management of documents and records and on classification and 
handling of information. 

2.2 Management 

2.2 Management 

Declarations of Interest 
management tool 

Tool used to declare, and search Declarations of Interests by all 
ECHA’s personnel. Used in the Conflict of Interests checks in all 
processes. 

2.2 Management 

ABAC 

Budget, Accounting and Asset management system provided by 
the European Commission. 

2.3.1 Financial resources 

EasySign 

Electronic workflow supporting some financial workflows. 

2.3.1 Financial resources 

Dynamic Case for SME 
verification 

2.3.1 Financial resources 

Integrated Human 
Resource Management 
System 

Supports the HR processes: Personnel and Payroll 
Administration, HR Financial management, Staff planning & 
reporting, Time management (and related time clocking 
devices), Recruitment, Performance & Career management, 
Training. 

2.3.2 Human resources 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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IT tool        

Main description                                                                            Activities served by tool                    

Mission management 
tool 

Tool used to create mission orders and process mission claims 
and reimbursements. 

2.3.2 Human resources 

2.3.3 Corporate services 

Webex 

A platform for videoconferencing. 

2.3.3 Corporate services 

Hardware and software 
licences 

Workplace ICT facilities 
and services 

Telecommunication 
equipment and services 

2.3.4 ICT 

2.3.4 ICT 

2.3.4 ICT 

Integrated Access 
Management:  

IT solution to provision/de-provision user accounts and grant 
access to IT systems for internal and external users 

2.3.4 ICT 

Remedy Ticketing 
system 

System facilitating mainly the Incident management of IT and 
business services 

2.3.4 ICT 

Automation and 
administrative tools to 
support IT operations. 

2.3.4 ICT