On June 2, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced its support for the European Commission’s roadmap to phase out animal testing in chemical safety assessments across the European Union. The roadmap, published by the European Commission on June 1, 2026, establishes a strategic framework to accelerate the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal testing through the development and regulatory adoption of alternative methods. To support implementation of the roadmap, ECHA will establish a Collaborative Platform on Alternatives to Animal Testing, bringing together regulators, industry, academia, and civil society to advance the development, validation, standardization, and regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing approaches. The platform’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for June 11–12, 2026, in Helsinki. ECHA will also continue developing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), scientific tools, data resources, and assessment methods that facilitate the replacement and reduction of animal testing. The roadmap was developed in response to the European Citizens’ Initiative “Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics – Commit to a Europe without Animal Testing,” which received more than 1.2 million verified signatures. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among EU institutions, agencies, Member States, and stakeholders in advancing animal-free chemical safety assessment practices.
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