The aim is to search for potential improvements in the REACH process. Background is the ongoing review of the European law on chemicals REACH. The results will assist the federal government in the European debate on the revision process.

The European Commission report on the review of REACH from February 2013 concluded that "REACH works and changes in regulation are not required". At the same time the Commission detected, however, that "industry did not perform their obligations in the extent as it is required to do" as it is said in the press release of the BAuA with regard to the online survey. In particular, the report criticizes the quality of the registration dossiers as well as the safety data sheets.

The Commission´s report from February 5, 2013, (COM (2013) 49 final, chapter 3.3. Animal experiments) describes, that the registrants made use of avialable provisions in a great extent in order to renounce animal experiments. On the other hand, however, the quality of the justifications give rise of concern. The report is based on the information provided in accordance with Article 117, par. 3 of the ECHA report on alternative test methods.

Between 2007-2011 the Commission provided the development of alternative methods und their evaluation with EUR 330 million. The report recommends to continue funding efforts since there are some gaps in the availability of alternatives for some complex toxicological endpoints.

Sources:
ECHA 2011: The Use of Alternatives to Testing on Animals for the REACH Regulation.
European Commission (2013): General report on REACH. Brussels 5.2.13. COM (2013) 49 final.
in German: http://www.baua.de/de/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/2013/04/pm023-13.html