The Commission of the European Union (EU) has amended the approved test methods under its regulations concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).
The EU’s REACH regulations mandate the testing of certain chemical substances for their physico-chemical properties, and their potential toxicity to humans and the environment. Published in July 2012 in the Official Journal of the European Union, Commission Regulation (EU) No 640/2012 adopts new and updated alternative test methods intended to reduce the number of animals used for experimental purposes.
According to the Commission, the new and updated test methods have been adopted by the international Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
