September 21, 2026 by Becky Brown

Following the award of a contract, wca and Regulatory Science Associates (RSA) have been supporting the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on delivering a series of workshops on the implementation of new Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) hazard classes for endocrine disruptors (ED).

wca are experts on ED assessment for both human health and the environment. RSA are a frequent collaborator with wca who provided additional support on the human health ED assessment.

The initial workshops were aimed at Member State experts including members of ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) with a focus on capacity building to ensure a consistent level of understanding and approach to classification in adherence with ECHA’s guidance (Part 3, health hazards; Part 4/5, environmental hazards and additional hazards). wca and RSA developed training materials in collaboration with ECHA which covered interpretation of the individual OECD studies relevant for the assessment of ED for both human health and the environment. There were also separate modules on mode of action analyses and weight of evidence assessment. Different ways to present the data were considered with particular emphasis on concluding on adversity, then activity and finally on the plausible link. Elements which could help differentiate between Category 1 and 2 classifications were a key topic of discussion.

The series of workshops culminated in a two-day Stakeholder workshop on the 16-17 June 2026 which wca/RSA co-chaired with ECHA. The workshop was attended by up to 700 participants. At this meeting wca/RSA presented outcomes from the three previous workshops with ECHA also providing some clarifications on elements of the guidance. Stakeholders also provided their perspectives on CLP classification including representatives from the European Food Safety Authority, Industry Sectors (e.g. Agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals) and Non-Government Organisations. The recordings of the Stakeholder presentations are available to view via YouTube.

The RAC are already actively working on harmonised classifications for ED substances with their first opinion for resorcinol published last week. For self-classification of existing substances there is a deadline of 1 November 2026.

If you need support for ED classification including advise of data interpretation, mode of action analysis etc. please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have experience for a wide range of substances with differing amounts of data availability including mixtures and UVCBs (Chemical Substances of Unknown or Variable Composition, Complex Reaction Products or Biological Materials).