ECHA Unveils Overhauled C&L Inventory in Enhanced ECHA CHEM Database

New tool offers EU-wide visual access to 7 million chemical classifications, supports transparency and regulatory clarity for ~350,000 substances.

ECHA’s revamped Classification & Labelling Inventory went live on 20 May 2025 in the ECHA CHEM database—featuring visual layout, harmonised EU class data, 7 million registration entries, covering ~350,000 substances with API support soon.

On 20 May 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) officially launched its redesigned Classification & Labelling (C&L) Inventory, integrated into the upgraded ECHA CHEM database. This milestone offers researchers, manufacturers, and regulators a single, refined platform to access hazard classification for chemicals across the EU.

Key Statistics at a Glance

• 4,400+ EU-harmonised classifications
  
• ~7 million individual classifications from REACH registrations
  
• Coverage spanning ~350,000 chemical substances
  

What’s Improved?

• Visual Representation: Users can now view classification details clearly, with source attribution to ease navigation and interpretation .
  
• Reliable Guidance: Consolidates the most-agreed EU harmonised classification to help users identify authoritative data.
  
• Updated Hazard Categories: Reflects the latest CLP Regulation hazard classes, keeping safety info current.
  

Forward-Looking Features

ECHA intends to enhance the tool further by introducing APIs, enabling automated data retrieval and integration into enterprise systems. Upcoming updates will also include consolidated summaries of REACH regulatory actions—such as authorisation lists and restriction decisions—delivering deeper transparency on chemical safety governance.

According to Mercedes Vinyals, Head of Submission & Interaction at ECHA, the overhaul “is an important milestone… simplifying the process for users to access classification information”. Mike Larsen Berg, Head of Hazard Assessment, added that improved clarity on classifications “helps companies prepare and implement the necessary safety measures”. This user-centred approach elevates regulatory compliance standards and supports industry readiness.