Multi-annual work programme of the forum 2014-2018 : version 2 : January 2018

The successful implementation of REACH, CLP and PIC regulations relies to a substantial degree on the effective enforcement of these regulations. Whereas the European Member States (MS) are responsible for setting up and maintaining their national systems for enforcement, the Forum for the Exchange of Information on Enforcement (the Forum) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) plays an important role in harmonising the approaches for enforcement taken in different countries. The Forum aims at providing support and practical assistance to the national enforcement authorities (NEAs) in the Member States while promoting harmonised strategies for enforcement. It shares best practice, provides training and organises common enforcement projects, all with the aim of supporting the NEAs in providing a level playing field for companies in Europe. As the implementation of REACH, CLP and PIC has progressed, the Forum - being a body of ECHA - has moved beyond its start-up phase and has now established a good operational basis for the manifold tasks it needs to address in the upcoming years. The latest addition to these was established by the PIC Regulation, which enters into operation on 1 March 2014. In addition, as of 2017 the Forum has taken on the responsibilities for coordinating a network of Member State authorities for enforcement of the Biocidal Products Regulation through its Forum Biocidal Products Regulation Subgroup (BPRS), further expanding the remit of the Forum. Guided by the four strategic objectives of ECHA as spelled out in the Agency's Multi-Annual Work Programme 2014-2018 and subsequent Programming Documents, the Forum is set to focus on the first of these goals, which is to maximise the availability of high-quality information for the safe manufacture and use of chemicals. As this information is provided by duty holders, the NEAs are called upon to engage the relevant actors into providing this information through a combination of enforcement and awareness-raising activities if the duty holders do not submit it voluntarily. The Forum will support the national authorities in their efforts and provide orientation towards a common approach to enforcement, while acknowledging that enforcement is seen as an "ultima ratio" measure. In light of the current enforcement needs in implementing the REACH, CLP and PIC Regulations, the Forum will set its focus on supporting both ECHA and the Member States during the follow-up processes after regulatory actions have been taken by the Agency. Based on the Forum's work on "interinstitutional interlinks", the Forum will strive towards enabling and strengthening the transition from ECHA's regulatory action to a Member State's enforcement action. However, to carry out its tasks the Forum also needs support from ECHA, the Member States and the Commission. It is important that such support is maintained or even strengthened in the course of this MAWP.