#OECD, #Chemicals, #Data, #Supply chain, #REACH
The OECD has developed a guide that sets out the rules for cooperation, data sharing and intellectual property for chemical industry and chemical operators. The guide can help stakeholders to prepare and submit data together, reduce animal testing and also reduce costs.
On 25 September 2025, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published “Best Practice Guide on Chemical Data Sharing Between Companies”, which sets out the rules for cooperation in the exchange of information on chemical safety and intellectual property risks.
The guide outlines case models for joint data generation, cost allocation in regulatory notifications, and model contracts between cooperating entities. The document suggests how animal testing or duplication of the same tests can be avoided.
Best Practise Guide addresses data-sharing associated with regulatory compliance and meeting non-regulatory needs. It focuses specifically on industrial and consumer chemical management regulations. It does not encompass other sectors such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, biocides, medical devices, cosmetic products, food additives, food packaging, or veterinary medicines.
The content presents two overarching scenarios relevant to data ownership and usage rights:
• Scenario 1: A party is legally required to either own, have access to, the right to refer to data (e.g. a
full study report) or the right to use data (including summaries/robust study summaries of the data).
• Scenario 2: A party is NOT legally required to either own, have access to, the right to refer to or the
right to use data.
The guide can help companies in terms of the conditions for cooperation between them when registering substances in REACH or in fulfilling the obligations imposed by EU regulations on chemicals. This can reduce the costs associated with registering substances or complying with regulations, as well as increasing the security and transparency of the supply chain.
OECD document also addresses the issue of intellectual property, including data ownership and confidentiality.
Ekotox website: https://ekotox.eu/chemicals-management/