The Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA), acting as Vice-Chair of BIAC to the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials, participated in the February 2026 meeting of the OECD Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee (CBC).
Discussions across the Committee and its subgroups reflected a continuing strategic shift toward more predictive, data-driven, and non-animal approaches to chemical safety assessment, supported by enhanced digital infrastructure and global harmonisation. The aim of this evolving work programme is to modernise testing frameworks while addressing practical challenges in regulatory implementation.
Delegations shared national updates on regulatory developments, including strengthened hazard classification schemes, new information requirements, and targeted measures for substances of concern such as PFAS. Significant progress was also noted in integrating computational tools and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into OECD Test Guidelines—particularly through the increasing use of QSAR models and defined approaches that reduce reliance on animal testing.
Further information is available to NIA Members in a dedicated report.
