EU updates REACH test methods to decrease animal use

摘要

The EU has updated test methods used to comply with the REACH chemicals regulation (1907/2006) to decrease animal testing. The test methods are laid down in a 2008 regulation (440/2008), updated through a 24 January regulation published in the EU's Official Journal last week (OJ L 81 of 19.3.2014) that took effect on 22 March. The update brings EU requirements into line with new alternative test methods from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to reduce the number of animals used.