At a glance

Established in 1978, ECETOC is Europe’s leading industry association for developing and promoting top quality science in human and environmental risk assessment of chemicals.  Members include the main companies with interests in the manufacture and use of chemicals, biomaterials and pharmaceuticals, and organisations active in these fields.  ECETOC is the scientific forum where member company experts meet and co-operate with government and academic scientists, to evaluate and assess the available data, identify gaps in knowledge and recommend research, and publish critical reviews on the ecotoxicology and toxicology of chemicals, biomaterials and pharmaceuticals.

ECETOC also provides scientific representation for its member companies through presentations at specialist meetings and by participation in the scientific activities of international agencies, government authorities and professional societies.  A non-profit, non-commercial and non-governmental organisation, ECETOC prides itself on the objectivity and integrity of its work programme, the output of which is published in the form of peer-reviewed reports and articles in peer-reviewed journals, or as specialised workshops.

Purpose

ECETOC’s purpose is to develop concepts, data and positions which underpin the use of scientific principles in the translation of policy into regulation in Europe: to enable the benefits of chemicals to be realised while protecting human health and the environment.

Values

ECETOC has strong values of science and integrity; it works by establishing objective positions and then moving forward, not backwards from a predetermined view.

Vision

ECETOC will be the partner of choice focusing and engaging industry expertise for the European Commission, ECHA, and EFSA in the development of practices and concepts based on science as policy becomes embodied in regulations.

Mission

To promote the use of good science in human and environmental risk assessment of chemicals, biomaterials and pharmaceuticals.

Approach

ECETOC pursues its vision and mission through an issue-based science strategy comprising 10 science areas grouped under 5 main themes:

(see section entitled ‘Science Strategy')

ECETOC achieves its goals by:

• Promoting and reporting on the use of sound science in industry and regulatory decision-making;
• Providing a forum for regulators, academic and industrial scientists to evaluate the safe use of chemicals and their associated products;
• Contributing to society’s understanding of health assessment and environmental safety of substances;
• Ensuring that business and regulatory decision makers appreciate the value of ECETOC’s contribution;
• Identifying emerging issues that are of importance to society, ECETOC member companies and regulators.

Financing

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

Structure

ECETOC is governed by a Board of Administration comprising 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.

Select the appropriate box below to receive more specific information on ECETOC's organisational structure: