REF-16 Project: EU starts new Inspection Plan for dangerous chemicals
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced a new regulatory offensive to guarantee consumer safety. The agency’s Enforcement Forum confirmed that upcoming EU-wide control projects will focus strictly on hazardous substances present in consumer products, tattoo inks, and digital sales channels.
REF-16 Project targets the digital marketplace
The main initiative, known as the REF-16 project, will officially launch its inspections in 2028. The core goal of the authorities is to verify whether articles and mixtures placed on the market comply with restrictions imposed by EU legislation. Inspections will analyse in detail if harmful components exceed legally permitted limits.
Unlike previous campaigns, this action will improve the targeting of controls to detect non-compliant products with greater precision. A major update will be the massive inclusion of online sales. To achieve this, the Forum will collaborate with the European Commission to use these digital inspection results to support the Digital Services Act (DSA) requirements on e-commerce platforms.
Focus on tattoo inks and CLP Regulation
In parallel, a specific pilot project has been approved for tattoo inks and permanent makeup, starting in 2027. Inspectors will put the spotlight on the presence of prohibited chemicals and correct labelling. This focus stems from the fact that historical checks show a high rate of non-compliance, especially among goods imported from outside the European Union.
Additionally, the Rapid Enforcement Initiative (REI-1) has been activated. This tool will immediately target companies that have failed to update their registration dossiers according to the harmonised classification and labelling of the CLP regulation.
Strict enforcement for Biocides online
The biocides sector will not be left out. The BEF-4 project, also scheduled for 2028, will focus on cross-border internet sales of products like insecticides, rodenticides, or wood preservatives. Authorities will thoroughly check that these products hold a valid authorisation and that the information displayed online is fully transparent and legal.
Avoid Penalties: Audit your business with Nordiik
Faced with this scenario of extreme supervision by European authorities, prevention is the best business strategy. Any error in the supply chain or data registration can result in severe financial penalties and the immediate withdrawal of products from the market.
At Nordiik, we specialize in helping companies safely navigate the complex European regulatory framework. We advise and accompany you to ensure that your business fully complies with the REACH, CLP, and Biocides regulations. If you want to protect your business against future inspections, contact the professional team at Nordiik to schedule a complete technical audit and stay ahead of any regulatory risk. Contact us for more information.
Source: ECHA
