1 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

Permanent Representations to the European Union

of the EU Member States and EEA-EFTA Countries

Sent by email only

Subject: Invitation to transmit names of experts for a pool of experts

supporting ECHA’s scientific committees

Dear Sir or Madam,

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) supports the implementation of EU chemicals

legislation by delivering transparent, independent and high-quality scientific opinions

through its Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC).

These Committees are established under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), the EU’s

main chemicals legislation and the founding regulation of ECHA.

In recent years, the statutory scope of work of RAC and SEAC has expanded both in volume

and technical complexity. While the Committees continue to carry out their responsibilities

under REACH, they have also been assigned new tasks arising from other EU legislation,

requiring specialised scientific and technical expertise that is not always available within

the existing Committees.

Against this background, and in line with Article 87(2) of the REACH Regulation, ECHA is

establishing a pool of experts to support the work of RAC and SEAC and their working

groups on a case‑by‑case basis. In December 2025, ECHA’s Management Board endorsed

the Secretariat’s preparatory work for the establishment of this pool, which is expected to

become operational in 2027. The modalities of the pool were approved by the Management

Board in June 2026.

Article 87(2) REACH provides that Member States shall transmit to the Agency the names

of experts with proven experience in the tasks required of the Committees, together with

an indication of their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.

Accordingly, Member States are invited to transmit the name of experts to enable ECHA

to set up and maintain an up‑to‑date list in accordance with the Regulation. Member States

are encouraged to transmit the name of experts as soon as they become available, and

preferably by 30 September 2026. Submissions received after this date will also be

accepted. The transmission of experts should be done through the submission form in

Annex III and accompanied by the required attachments, including the expertise grid in

Annex II.

Experts from the pool may be called upon to provide targeted scientific or technical input,

including in support of rapporteurs and working groups of the Committees. However, the

experts concerned will not become members of RAC or SEAC and will not replace

Committee members, who remain fully responsible for the preparation and adoption of

scientific opinions.

Further information on the types of tasks for which experts may be called upon, including

examples from both current and future Committee work, as well as information on

independence considerations, practical arrangements and financial details, is provided in

Annex I.

2 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

When identifying suitable experts, Permanent Representations are kindly invited to liaise

with the national authorities responsible for REACH, as well as with other competent

authorities responsible for the relevant sectoral legislation, as appropriate. For

transparency and information, the REACH competent authorities and members of ECHA’s

Management Board are copied on this letter.

Thank you in advance for your collaboration in supporting the delivery of transparent,

independent and high-quality scientific opinions under EU chemicals legislation.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Sharon McGuinness

Executive Director

Annexes:

I. Background: The ECHA pool of experts under REACH Article 87(2) (pages 3-4

of this letter)

II. For submission to ECHA: Expertise grid (separate file)

III. For submission to ECHA: Submission form (separate file), to be submitted

together with Declaration of Interest and Commitment (link) of the expert(s)

and a biography from the expert(s) (separate file)

IV. Contacts of the member states competent authorities and designated national

authorities - ECHA (link)

V. Information material about ECHA and its scientific committees - ECHA’s

Committees – information for Member State authorities) (link)

Cc: REACH/CLP Competent Authorities

ECHA Management Board members

3 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

Annex I: Background: The ECHA pool of experts under REACH Article 87(2)

1. Context

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) delivers transparent, independent and high-

quality scientific opinions through its Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and

Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC). The Committees’ opinions form the scientific basis for

regulatory decision‑making under REACH and a growing number of other EU legislation.

In recent years, the Committees’ workload has increased both in volume and complexity.

In addition to their responsibilities under REACH, RAC and SEAC have been assigned new

tasks under other EU legislation:

• Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184;

• Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542;

• Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40;

• RoHS Directive (EU) 2025/2456;

• POPs Regulation (POPs in Waste) (EU) 2025/2457;

• Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509;

• Water Framework Directive (legislative procedure ongoing 2022/0344(COD)) and

• End-of-life vehicles Regulation (legislative procedure ongoing 2023/0284(COD))

The expanding mandate requires specialised scientific and technical expertise in areas that

are not always fully covered by the expertise currently available within the Committees.

In December 2025, ECHA’s Management Board endorsed the Secretariat’s preparatory

work to improve the workability of RAC and SEAC, including the establishment of a pool

of experts, as foreseen in Article 87(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). The

modalities of the pool were approved by the Management Board in June 2026.

2. Legal basis

Article 87(2) of the REACH Regulation provides that “Member States shall transmit to the

Agency the names of experts with proven experience in the tasks required by Article 77,

who would be available to serve on working groups of the Committees, together with an

indication of their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.

The Agency shall keep an up-to-date list of experts. The list shall include the experts

referred to in the first subparagraph and other experts identified directly by the

Secretariat.”

3. Purpose of the pool of experts

The purpose of the expert pool is to make additional, targeted expertise available to

support the work of RAC and SEAC, including at working group level. Experts from the

pool may be called upon on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the specific needs of

individual dossiers or tasks.

The pool is intended to complement, not replace, the expertise of Committee members.

Experts from the pool will not have the status of RAC or SEAC members and therefore will

not participate in the adoption of opinions.

4. Role and tasks of experts

Experts from the pool may be invited to support RAC or SEAC rapporteurs in carrying out

specific technical tasks, for example by:

• contributing specialised scientific or technical input in their area of expertise;

• supporting the preparation of draft sections of opinions;

• participating in working group discussions;

4 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

• contributing to the assessment of complex or emerging technical issues.

Experts may be invited to participate in meetings of RAC or SEAC and/or their working

groups, either remotely or in person, as appropriate. They will act in an advisory capacity

and will not act as rapporteurs, co‑rapporteurs or Committee members.

RAC and SEAC members, and in particular the rapporteurs appointed by the Committees,

will remain fully responsible for the content of draft opinions and for the opinions adopted

by the Committees.

5. Independence and integrity

Experts contributing to the work of RAC and SEAC are expected to provide their advice

independently, based on their scientific and technical expertise. In line with REACH Art

85(7), Member States shall refrain from giving experts any instruction that would be

incompatible with their individual tasks or with the independence of the Committees’

opinions.

Before being called upon for a specific task, experts will be subject to conflict‑of‑interest

checks in accordance with ECHA’s Policy1 and Procedure2 for the Prevention and

Management of potential Conflicts of Interest (actual, potential and perceived) for

members of ECHA bodies.

Experts will also be bound by the applicable rules on confidentiality and professional

secrecy.

6. Practical arrangements

Experts from the pool will be engaged on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the needs of

the Committees’ work. Participation may involve remote work, participation in meetings,

or a combination of both.

When experts are invited to participate in meetings, travel and subsistence expenses will

be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable ECHA rules3, as adopted by the Agency’s

Management Board.

Where applicable, remuneration for expert work may be made in line with the rules and

decisions adopted by ECHA’s Management Board4, subject to the conditions set out

therein, including the prohibition of remuneration for experts who are employed in the

public service of a Member State (public servants).

7. Timing and next steps

In 2026, ECHA will complete the preparatory work required to establish the pool of experts.

This will include collecting names of experts from Member States, as well as identifying

additional experts directly by the Secretariat. The pool of experts is expected to become

operational in 2027.

1 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17207/pol- 0027_prevention_and_management_of_potential_conflicts_of_interest_en.pdf/6fe1f1a0-d962- ed0d-6de7-fb56b93b7fb9?t=1726484001433 2 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17208/pro_0067_coi_management_en.pdf/c4082b12- 5830-4647-abf7-47c4a0879c86?t=1726484600670 3 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/118060548/final_mb_28_2025_echa_guide_for_reimbu rsements_mb79_en.pdf/e82cde5f-ea5a-de8d-17dd-03b408a6c2d8?t=1760967955227 4

https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/66703223/final_mb_35_2023_decision_remuneration_c o_opted_member_en.pdf/ba5cef20-930a-4c5b-fc9d-f5746868aa9f?t=1707139976485

1 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

Permanent Representations to the European Union

of the EU Member States and EEA-EFTA Countries

Sent by email only

Subject: Invitation to transmit names of experts for a pool of experts

supporting ECHA’s scientific committees

Dear Sir or Madam,

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) supports the implementation of EU chemicals

legislation by delivering transparent, independent and high-quality scientific opinions

through its Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC).

These Committees are established under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), the EU’s

main chemicals legislation and the founding regulation of ECHA.

In recent years, the statutory scope of work of RAC and SEAC has expanded both in volume

and technical complexity. While the Committees continue to carry out their responsibilities

under REACH, they have also been assigned new tasks arising from other EU legislation,

requiring specialised scientific and technical expertise that is not always available within

the existing Committees.

Against this background, and in line with Article 87(2) of the REACH Regulation, ECHA is

establishing a pool of experts to support the work of RAC and SEAC and their working

groups on a case‑by‑case basis. In December 2025, ECHA’s Management Board endorsed

the Secretariat’s preparatory work for the establishment of this pool, which is expected to

become operational in 2027. The modalities of the pool were approved by the Management

Board in June 2026.

Article 87(2) REACH provides that Member States shall transmit to the Agency the names

of experts with proven experience in the tasks required of the Committees, together with

an indication of their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.

Accordingly, Member States are invited to transmit the name of experts to enable ECHA

to set up and maintain an up‑to‑date list in accordance with the Regulation. Member States

are encouraged to transmit the name of experts as soon as they become available, and

preferably by 30 September 2026. Submissions received after this date will also be

accepted. The transmission of experts should be done through the submission form in

Annex III and accompanied by the required attachments, including the expertise grid in

Annex II.

Experts from the pool may be called upon to provide targeted scientific or technical input,

including in support of rapporteurs and working groups of the Committees. However, the

experts concerned will not become members of RAC or SEAC and will not replace

Committee members, who remain fully responsible for the preparation and adoption of

scientific opinions.

Further information on the types of tasks for which experts may be called upon, including

examples from both current and future Committee work, as well as information on

independence considerations, practical arrangements and financial details, is provided in

Annex I.

2 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

When identifying suitable experts, Permanent Representations are kindly invited to liaise

with the national authorities responsible for REACH, as well as with other competent

authorities responsible for the relevant sectoral legislation, as appropriate. For

transparency and information, the REACH competent authorities and members of ECHA’s

Management Board are copied on this letter.

Thank you in advance for your collaboration in supporting the delivery of transparent,

independent and high-quality scientific opinions under EU chemicals legislation.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Sharon McGuinness

Executive Director

Annexes:

I. Background: The ECHA pool of experts under REACH Article 87(2) (pages 3-4

of this letter)

II. For submission to ECHA: Expertise grid (separate file)

III. For submission to ECHA: Submission form (separate file), to be submitted

together with Declaration of Interest and Commitment (link) of the expert(s)

and a biography from the expert(s) (separate file)

IV. Contacts of the member states competent authorities and designated national

authorities - ECHA (link)

V. Information material about ECHA and its scientific committees - ECHA’s

Committees – information for Member State authorities) (link)

Cc: REACH/CLP Competent Authorities

ECHA Management Board members

3 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

Annex I: Background: The ECHA pool of experts under REACH Article 87(2)

1. Context

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) delivers transparent, independent and high-

quality scientific opinions through its Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and

Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC). The Committees’ opinions form the scientific basis for

regulatory decision‑making under REACH and a growing number of other EU legislation.

In recent years, the Committees’ workload has increased both in volume and complexity.

In addition to their responsibilities under REACH, RAC and SEAC have been assigned new

tasks under other EU legislation:

• Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184;

• Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542;

• Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40;

• RoHS Directive (EU) 2025/2456;

• POPs Regulation (POPs in Waste) (EU) 2025/2457;

• Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509;

• Water Framework Directive (legislative procedure ongoing 2022/0344(COD)) and

• End-of-life vehicles Regulation (legislative procedure ongoing 2023/0284(COD))

The expanding mandate requires specialised scientific and technical expertise in areas that

are not always fully covered by the expertise currently available within the Committees.

In December 2025, ECHA’s Management Board endorsed the Secretariat’s preparatory

work to improve the workability of RAC and SEAC, including the establishment of a pool

of experts, as foreseen in Article 87(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). The

modalities of the pool were approved by the Management Board in June 2026.

2. Legal basis

Article 87(2) of the REACH Regulation provides that “Member States shall transmit to the

Agency the names of experts with proven experience in the tasks required by Article 77,

who would be available to serve on working groups of the Committees, together with an

indication of their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.

The Agency shall keep an up-to-date list of experts. The list shall include the experts

referred to in the first subparagraph and other experts identified directly by the

Secretariat.”

3. Purpose of the pool of experts

The purpose of the expert pool is to make additional, targeted expertise available to

support the work of RAC and SEAC, including at working group level. Experts from the

pool may be called upon on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the specific needs of

individual dossiers or tasks.

The pool is intended to complement, not replace, the expertise of Committee members.

Experts from the pool will not have the status of RAC or SEAC members and therefore will

not participate in the adoption of opinions.

4. Role and tasks of experts

Experts from the pool may be invited to support RAC or SEAC rapporteurs in carrying out

specific technical tasks, for example by:

• contributing specialised scientific or technical input in their area of expertise;

• supporting the preparation of draft sections of opinions;

• participating in working group discussions;

4 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

• contributing to the assessment of complex or emerging technical issues.

Experts may be invited to participate in meetings of RAC or SEAC and/or their working

groups, either remotely or in person, as appropriate. They will act in an advisory capacity

and will not act as rapporteurs, co‑rapporteurs or Committee members.

RAC and SEAC members, and in particular the rapporteurs appointed by the Committees,

will remain fully responsible for the content of draft opinions and for the opinions adopted

by the Committees.

5. Independence and integrity

Experts contributing to the work of RAC and SEAC are expected to provide their advice

independently, based on their scientific and technical expertise. In line with REACH Art

85(7), Member States shall refrain from giving experts any instruction that would be

incompatible with their individual tasks or with the independence of the Committees’

opinions.

Before being called upon for a specific task, experts will be subject to conflict‑of‑interest

checks in accordance with ECHA’s Policy1 and Procedure2 for the Prevention and

Management of potential Conflicts of Interest (actual, potential and perceived) for

members of ECHA bodies.

Experts will also be bound by the applicable rules on confidentiality and professional

secrecy.

6. Practical arrangements

Experts from the pool will be engaged on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the needs of

the Committees’ work. Participation may involve remote work, participation in meetings,

or a combination of both.

When experts are invited to participate in meetings, travel and subsistence expenses will

be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable ECHA rules3, as adopted by the Agency’s

Management Board.

Where applicable, remuneration for expert work may be made in line with the rules and

decisions adopted by ECHA’s Management Board4, subject to the conditions set out

therein, including the prohibition of remuneration for experts who are employed in the

public service of a Member State (public servants).

7. Timing and next steps

In 2026, ECHA will complete the preparatory work required to establish the pool of experts.

This will include collecting names of experts from Member States, as well as identifying

additional experts directly by the Secretariat. The pool of experts is expected to become

operational in 2027.

1 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17207/pol- 0027_prevention_and_management_of_potential_conflicts_of_interest_en.pdf/6fe1f1a0-d962- ed0d-6de7-fb56b93b7fb9?t=1726484001433 2 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17208/pro_0067_coi_management_en.pdf/c4082b12- 5830-4647-abf7-47c4a0879c86?t=1726484600670 3 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/118060548/final_mb_28_2025_echa_guide_for_reimbu rsements_mb79_en.pdf/e82cde5f-ea5a-de8d-17dd-03b408a6c2d8?t=1760967955227 4

https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/66703223/final_mb_35_2023_decision_remuneration_c o_opted_member_en.pdf/ba5cef20-930a-4c5b-fc9d-f5746868aa9f?t=1707139976485

1 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

Permanent Representations to the European Union

of the EU Member States and EEA-EFTA Countries

Sent by email only

Subject: Invitation to transmit names of experts for a pool of experts

supporting ECHA’s scientific committees

Dear Sir or Madam,

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) supports the implementation of EU chemicals

legislation by delivering transparent, independent and high-quality scientific opinions

through its Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC).

These Committees are established under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), the EU’s

main chemicals legislation and the founding regulation of ECHA.

In recent years, the statutory scope of work of RAC and SEAC has expanded both in volume

and technical complexity. While the Committees continue to carry out their responsibilities

under REACH, they have also been assigned new tasks arising from other EU legislation,

requiring specialised scientific and technical expertise that is not always available within

the existing Committees.

Against this background, and in line with Article 87(2) of the REACH Regulation, ECHA is

establishing a pool of experts to support the work of RAC and SEAC and their working

groups on a case‑by‑case basis. In December 2025, ECHA’s Management Board endorsed

the Secretariat’s preparatory work for the establishment of this pool, which is expected to

become operational in 2027. The modalities of the pool were approved by the Management

Board in June 2026.

Article 87(2) REACH provides that Member States shall transmit to the Agency the names

of experts with proven experience in the tasks required of the Committees, together with

an indication of their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.

Accordingly, Member States are invited to transmit the name of experts to enable ECHA

to set up and maintain an up‑to‑date list in accordance with the Regulation. Member States

are encouraged to transmit the name of experts as soon as they become available, and

preferably by 30 September 2026. Submissions received after this date will also be

accepted. The transmission of experts should be done through the submission form in

Annex III and accompanied by the required attachments, including the expertise grid in

Annex II.

Experts from the pool may be called upon to provide targeted scientific or technical input,

including in support of rapporteurs and working groups of the Committees. However, the

experts concerned will not become members of RAC or SEAC and will not replace

Committee members, who remain fully responsible for the preparation and adoption of

scientific opinions.

Further information on the types of tasks for which experts may be called upon, including

examples from both current and future Committee work, as well as information on

independence considerations, practical arrangements and financial details, is provided in

Annex I.

2 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

When identifying suitable experts, Permanent Representations are kindly invited to liaise

with the national authorities responsible for REACH, as well as with other competent

authorities responsible for the relevant sectoral legislation, as appropriate. For

transparency and information, the REACH competent authorities and members of ECHA’s

Management Board are copied on this letter.

Thank you in advance for your collaboration in supporting the delivery of transparent,

independent and high-quality scientific opinions under EU chemicals legislation.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Sharon McGuinness

Executive Director

Annexes:

I. Background: The ECHA pool of experts under REACH Article 87(2) (pages 3-4

of this letter)

II. For submission to ECHA: Expertise grid (separate file)

III. For submission to ECHA: Submission form (separate file), to be submitted

together with Declaration of Interest and Commitment (link) of the expert(s)

and a biography from the expert(s) (separate file)

IV. Contacts of the member states competent authorities and designated national

authorities - ECHA (link)

V. Information material about ECHA and its scientific committees - ECHA’s

Committees – information for Member State authorities) (link)

Cc: REACH/CLP Competent Authorities

ECHA Management Board members

3 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

Annex I: Background: The ECHA pool of experts under REACH Article 87(2)

1. Context

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) delivers transparent, independent and high-

quality scientific opinions through its Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and

Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC). The Committees’ opinions form the scientific basis for

regulatory decision‑making under REACH and a growing number of other EU legislation.

In recent years, the Committees’ workload has increased both in volume and complexity.

In addition to their responsibilities under REACH, RAC and SEAC have been assigned new

tasks under other EU legislation:

• Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184;

• Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542;

• Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40;

• RoHS Directive (EU) 2025/2456;

• POPs Regulation (POPs in Waste) (EU) 2025/2457;

• Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509;

• Water Framework Directive (legislative procedure ongoing 2022/0344(COD)) and

• End-of-life vehicles Regulation (legislative procedure ongoing 2023/0284(COD))

The expanding mandate requires specialised scientific and technical expertise in areas that

are not always fully covered by the expertise currently available within the Committees.

In December 2025, ECHA’s Management Board endorsed the Secretariat’s preparatory

work to improve the workability of RAC and SEAC, including the establishment of a pool

of experts, as foreseen in Article 87(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). The

modalities of the pool were approved by the Management Board in June 2026.

2. Legal basis

Article 87(2) of the REACH Regulation provides that “Member States shall transmit to the

Agency the names of experts with proven experience in the tasks required by Article 77,

who would be available to serve on working groups of the Committees, together with an

indication of their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.

The Agency shall keep an up-to-date list of experts. The list shall include the experts

referred to in the first subparagraph and other experts identified directly by the

Secretariat.”

3. Purpose of the pool of experts

The purpose of the expert pool is to make additional, targeted expertise available to

support the work of RAC and SEAC, including at working group level. Experts from the

pool may be called upon on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the specific needs of

individual dossiers or tasks.

The pool is intended to complement, not replace, the expertise of Committee members.

Experts from the pool will not have the status of RAC or SEAC members and therefore will

not participate in the adoption of opinions.

4. Role and tasks of experts

Experts from the pool may be invited to support RAC or SEAC rapporteurs in carrying out

specific technical tasks, for example by:

• contributing specialised scientific or technical input in their area of expertise;

• supporting the preparation of draft sections of opinions;

• participating in working group discussions;

4 (4)

D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

• contributing to the assessment of complex or emerging technical issues.

Experts may be invited to participate in meetings of RAC or SEAC and/or their working

groups, either remotely or in person, as appropriate. They will act in an advisory capacity

and will not act as rapporteurs, co‑rapporteurs or Committee members.

RAC and SEAC members, and in particular the rapporteurs appointed by the Committees,

will remain fully responsible for the content of draft opinions and for the opinions adopted

by the Committees.

5. Independence and integrity

Experts contributing to the work of RAC and SEAC are expected to provide their advice

independently, based on their scientific and technical expertise. In line with REACH Art

85(7), Member States shall refrain from giving experts any instruction that would be

incompatible with their individual tasks or with the independence of the Committees’

opinions.

Before being called upon for a specific task, experts will be subject to conflict‑of‑interest

checks in accordance with ECHA’s Policy1 and Procedure2 for the Prevention and

Management of potential Conflicts of Interest (actual, potential and perceived) for

members of ECHA bodies.

Experts will also be bound by the applicable rules on confidentiality and professional

secrecy.

6. Practical arrangements

Experts from the pool will be engaged on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the needs of

the Committees’ work. Participation may involve remote work, participation in meetings,

or a combination of both.

When experts are invited to participate in meetings, travel and subsistence expenses will

be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable ECHA rules3, as adopted by the Agency’s

Management Board.

Where applicable, remuneration for expert work may be made in line with the rules and

decisions adopted by ECHA’s Management Board4, subject to the conditions set out

therein, including the prohibition of remuneration for experts who are employed in the

public service of a Member State (public servants).

7. Timing and next steps

In 2026, ECHA will complete the preparatory work required to establish the pool of experts.

This will include collecting names of experts from Member States, as well as identifying

additional experts directly by the Secretariat. The pool of experts is expected to become

operational in 2027.

1 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17207/pol- 0027_prevention_and_management_of_potential_conflicts_of_interest_en.pdf/6fe1f1a0-d962- ed0d-6de7-fb56b93b7fb9?t=1726484001433 2 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17208/pro_0067_coi_management_en.pdf/c4082b12- 5830-4647-abf7-47c4a0879c86?t=1726484600670 3 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/118060548/final_mb_28_2025_echa_guide_for_reimbu rsements_mb79_en.pdf/e82cde5f-ea5a-de8d-17dd-03b408a6c2d8?t=1760967955227 4

https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/66703223/final_mb_35_2023_decision_remuneration_c o_opted_member_en.pdf/ba5cef20-930a-4c5b-fc9d-f5746868aa9f?t=1707139976485

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D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

Permanent Representations to the European Union

of the EU Member States and EEA-EFTA Countries

Sent by email only

Subject: Invitation to transmit names of experts for a pool of experts

supporting ECHA’s scientific committees

Dear Sir or Madam,

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) supports the implementation of EU chemicals

legislation by delivering transparent, independent and high-quality scientific opinions

through its Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC).

These Committees are established under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), the EU’s

main chemicals legislation and the founding regulation of ECHA.

In recent years, the statutory scope of work of RAC and SEAC has expanded both in volume

and technical complexity. While the Committees continue to carry out their responsibilities

under REACH, they have also been assigned new tasks arising from other EU legislation,

requiring specialised scientific and technical expertise that is not always available within

the existing Committees.

Against this background, and in line with Article 87(2) of the REACH Regulation, ECHA is

establishing a pool of experts to support the work of RAC and SEAC and their working

groups on a case‑by‑case basis. In December 2025, ECHA’s Management Board endorsed

the Secretariat’s preparatory work for the establishment of this pool, which is expected to

become operational in 2027. The modalities of the pool were approved by the Management

Board in June 2026.

Article 87(2) REACH provides that Member States shall transmit to the Agency the names

of experts with proven experience in the tasks required of the Committees, together with

an indication of their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.

Accordingly, Member States are invited to transmit the name of experts to enable ECHA

to set up and maintain an up‑to‑date list in accordance with the Regulation. Member States

are encouraged to transmit the name of experts as soon as they become available, and

preferably by 30 September 2026. Submissions received after this date will also be

accepted. The transmission of experts should be done through the submission form in

Annex III and accompanied by the required attachments, including the expertise grid in

Annex II.

Experts from the pool may be called upon to provide targeted scientific or technical input,

including in support of rapporteurs and working groups of the Committees. However, the

experts concerned will not become members of RAC or SEAC and will not replace

Committee members, who remain fully responsible for the preparation and adoption of

scientific opinions.

Further information on the types of tasks for which experts may be called upon, including

examples from both current and future Committee work, as well as information on

independence considerations, practical arrangements and financial details, is provided in

Annex I.

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D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

When identifying suitable experts, Permanent Representations are kindly invited to liaise

with the national authorities responsible for REACH, as well as with other competent

authorities responsible for the relevant sectoral legislation, as appropriate. For

transparency and information, the REACH competent authorities and members of ECHA’s

Management Board are copied on this letter.

Thank you in advance for your collaboration in supporting the delivery of transparent,

independent and high-quality scientific opinions under EU chemicals legislation.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Sharon McGuinness

Executive Director

Annexes:

I. Background: The ECHA pool of experts under REACH Article 87(2) (pages 3-4

of this letter)

II. For submission to ECHA: Expertise grid (separate file)

III. For submission to ECHA: Submission form (separate file), to be submitted

together with Declaration of Interest and Commitment (link) of the expert(s)

and a biography from the expert(s) (separate file)

IV. Contacts of the member states competent authorities and designated national

authorities - ECHA (link)

V. Information material about ECHA and its scientific committees - ECHA’s

Committees – information for Member State authorities) (link)

Cc: REACH/CLP Competent Authorities

ECHA Management Board members

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D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

Annex I: Background: The ECHA pool of experts under REACH Article 87(2)

1. Context

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) delivers transparent, independent and high-

quality scientific opinions through its Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and

Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC). The Committees’ opinions form the scientific basis for

regulatory decision‑making under REACH and a growing number of other EU legislation.

In recent years, the Committees’ workload has increased both in volume and complexity.

In addition to their responsibilities under REACH, RAC and SEAC have been assigned new

tasks under other EU legislation:

• Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184;

• Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542;

• Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40;

• RoHS Directive (EU) 2025/2456;

• POPs Regulation (POPs in Waste) (EU) 2025/2457;

• Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509;

• Water Framework Directive (legislative procedure ongoing 2022/0344(COD)) and

• End-of-life vehicles Regulation (legislative procedure ongoing 2023/0284(COD))

The expanding mandate requires specialised scientific and technical expertise in areas that

are not always fully covered by the expertise currently available within the Committees.

In December 2025, ECHA’s Management Board endorsed the Secretariat’s preparatory

work to improve the workability of RAC and SEAC, including the establishment of a pool

of experts, as foreseen in Article 87(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). The

modalities of the pool were approved by the Management Board in June 2026.

2. Legal basis

Article 87(2) of the REACH Regulation provides that “Member States shall transmit to the

Agency the names of experts with proven experience in the tasks required by Article 77,

who would be available to serve on working groups of the Committees, together with an

indication of their qualifications and specific areas of expertise.

The Agency shall keep an up-to-date list of experts. The list shall include the experts

referred to in the first subparagraph and other experts identified directly by the

Secretariat.”

3. Purpose of the pool of experts

The purpose of the expert pool is to make additional, targeted expertise available to

support the work of RAC and SEAC, including at working group level. Experts from the

pool may be called upon on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the specific needs of

individual dossiers or tasks.

The pool is intended to complement, not replace, the expertise of Committee members.

Experts from the pool will not have the status of RAC or SEAC members and therefore will

not participate in the adoption of opinions.

4. Role and tasks of experts

Experts from the pool may be invited to support RAC or SEAC rapporteurs in carrying out

specific technical tasks, for example by:

• contributing specialised scientific or technical input in their area of expertise;

• supporting the preparation of draft sections of opinions;

• participating in working group discussions;

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D(2026)0493

Helsinki, 2 July 2026 SMG/gc

P.O. Box 400, FI-00121 Helsinki, Finland | Tel. +358 9 686180 | echa.europa.eu

• contributing to the assessment of complex or emerging technical issues.

Experts may be invited to participate in meetings of RAC or SEAC and/or their working

groups, either remotely or in person, as appropriate. They will act in an advisory capacity

and will not act as rapporteurs, co‑rapporteurs or Committee members.

RAC and SEAC members, and in particular the rapporteurs appointed by the Committees,

will remain fully responsible for the content of draft opinions and for the opinions adopted

by the Committees.

5. Independence and integrity

Experts contributing to the work of RAC and SEAC are expected to provide their advice

independently, based on their scientific and technical expertise. In line with REACH Art

85(7), Member States shall refrain from giving experts any instruction that would be

incompatible with their individual tasks or with the independence of the Committees’

opinions.

Before being called upon for a specific task, experts will be subject to conflict‑of‑interest

checks in accordance with ECHA’s Policy1 and Procedure2 for the Prevention and

Management of potential Conflicts of Interest (actual, potential and perceived) for

members of ECHA bodies.

Experts will also be bound by the applicable rules on confidentiality and professional

secrecy.

6. Practical arrangements

Experts from the pool will be engaged on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the needs of

the Committees’ work. Participation may involve remote work, participation in meetings,

or a combination of both.

When experts are invited to participate in meetings, travel and subsistence expenses will

be reimbursed in accordance with the applicable ECHA rules3, as adopted by the Agency’s

Management Board.

Where applicable, remuneration for expert work may be made in line with the rules and

decisions adopted by ECHA’s Management Board4, subject to the conditions set out

therein, including the prohibition of remuneration for experts who are employed in the

public service of a Member State (public servants).

7. Timing and next steps

In 2026, ECHA will complete the preparatory work required to establish the pool of experts.

This will include collecting names of experts from Member States, as well as identifying

additional experts directly by the Secretariat. The pool of experts is expected to become

operational in 2027.

1 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17207/pol- 0027_prevention_and_management_of_potential_conflicts_of_interest_en.pdf/6fe1f1a0-d962- ed0d-6de7-fb56b93b7fb9?t=1726484001433 2 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17208/pro_0067_coi_management_en.pdf/c4082b12- 5830-4647-abf7-47c4a0879c86?t=1726484600670 3 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/118060548/final_mb_28_2025_echa_guide_for_reimbu rsements_mb79_en.pdf/e82cde5f-ea5a-de8d-17dd-03b408a6c2d8?t=1760967955227 4

https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/66703223/final_mb_35_2023_decision_remuneration_c o_opted_member_en.pdf/ba5cef20-930a-4c5b-fc9d-f5746868aa9f?t=1707139976485