Overview

What is ECETOC?

ECETOC is a scientific, non-profit making, non-commercial trade association with a mission to act as an independent, credible, peer-reviewed technical resource to all concerned with the identification of research needs and provision of scientific rationale for the assessment of health effects and environmental impact, and thereby to justify industry's licence and freedom to operate.

How is it financed?

ECETOC is financed by its membership, which comprises 49 of the leading companies with interests in the manufacture and use of chemicals.

Why was it established?

An independent organisation, it was established in 1978 to provide a scientific forum through which the extensive specialist expertise of manufacturers and users could be harnessed to research, review, assess and publish studies on the ecotoxicology and toxicology of chemicals. In pursuing its vision, the Association's main objective is to identify, evaluate and through such knowledge help industry to minimise any potentially adverse effects on health and the environment that may arise from the manufacture and use of chemicals.

How does ECETOC achieve its goals?

To achieve its goals, ECETOC facilitates the networking of suitably qualified scientists from its member companies and co-operates in a scientific context with intergovernmental agencies, health authorities and professional institutions. ECETOC’s work is manifested as published reports, papers and specialised workshops. Furthermore, it provides scientific representation of manufacturers and users of chemicals via presentations at specialist fora and takes a scientific role in the activities of international organisations and regulatory groups. More specifically, ECETOC achieves its goals by:

• Promoting the use of sound science in both industry and regulatory decision-making and reporting on the results;
• Providing a forum for regulators, academic and industrial scientists for the evaluation of the safe use of chemicals and their associated products;
• Contributing to understanding of the societal issues associated with health assessment and environmental safety of substances;
• Ensuring the value of the ECETOC offer is appreciated by business and regulatory decision makers;
• Identify emerging issues that are of importance to ECETOC member companies.

How is ECETOC managed?

ECETOC is governed by a Board of Administration comprising up to twelve senior executives from member companies. The Board is responsible for the overall policy and finance of the organisation and appoints the Secretary General, who oversees the day-to-day running of the organisation and the members of the Scientific Committee which defines, manages and peer reviews the ECETOC work programme.