On 3 June 2026, ECHA’s Enforcement Forum has agreed that the next EU-wide enforcement project will focus on restrictions on hazardous substances in products. Another project will check for restricted substances in tattoo inks and permanent makeup. Companies are advised to conduct early self-compliance checks on their products to mitigate risks such as detained shipments or product delisting.

1. REF-16 enforcement project

Inspectors will check whether products or mixtures placed on the market comply with restrictions under EU chemicals legislation. This includes verifying that restricted hazardous substances contained in the products are below the permitted limits.

The project aims to improve targeting of the controls to better identify non-compliant products. Inspectors will also include online sales in their checks. The Forum will cooperate with the European Commission and national authorities to explore how inspection results from online sales could support the enforcement of requirements applicable to online platforms under the Digital Services Act.

Inspections are planned for 2028, with the report expected in 2029.

2. New pilot project on tattoo inks and permanent make-up

Inspectors will check that these products comply with the restrictions, focusing on the presence of hazardous substances above allowed thresholds and on correct labelling. Inspections are planned to start in 2027, and the report will be published in 2028. 

3. Rapid Enforcement Initiative (REI-1)

This action will address cases where companies have not updated their registration dossiers to reflect harmonised classification and labelling. Member State authorities will carry out targeted and swift follow-up on cases of non-compliance identified by ECHA.

4. Biocidal products enforcement project (BEF-4)

BEF-4 will focus on online sales of biocidal products and cross-border cooperation. Inspectors will check that online offers – such as wood preservatives, rodenticides or insecticides – comply with information requirements, and that the products have a valid authorisation and contain approved active substances. 

The project will also aim to strengthen cooperation between authorities in different countries where biocidal products are sold across borders into markets where they are not authorised. Inspections are planned for 2028, with the report expected in 2029.

URL：

https://echa.europa.eu/-/inspectors-to-check-compliance-with-restrictions-on-hazardous-substances-in-products

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