EU to adopt internationally accepted chemical testing methods

The European Commission has amended the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 440/2008, which lays down the test methods pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. This regulation will come into force on 20th day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Commission Regulation (EC) No 440/20082 contains, in its Annex, test methods recognised as being appropriate for generating information on the physicochemical, toxicological and eco-toxicological properties of chemicals for the purpose of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. Most of the test methods contained in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 440/2008 are equivalent to internationally agreed and accepted methods (such as test guidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). These methods are frequently reviewed and modified to reflect the state of science.