Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis

The Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) prepares the opinions of ECHA related to the socio-economic impact of possible legislative actions on chemicals in the following REACH processes. The final decisions are taken by the European Commission through a regulatory committee procedure.

Restriction

The Committee evaluates the socio-economic impact of the proposed restriction on manufacture, placing on the market or use of a substance. This includes the assessment of comments and socio-economic analyses submitted by third parties.

Authorisation

SEAC assesses the socio-economic factors and the availability, suitability and technical feasibility of the alternatives associated with the uses of a substance when an application for authorisation is submitted. Third party contributions linked to the application will also be assessed.

ECHA's Executive Director's requests

SEAC issues opinions, on request of the Executive Director of ECHA, relating to socio-economic issues on any other aspects concerning the safety of substances on their own, in preparations or in articles.

SEAC also provides scientific support to improve the cooperation between the Community, its Member States, international organisations and third countries relating to the safety of substances, as well as active participation in technical assistance and capacity building activities on the sound management of chemicals in developing countries.

Meetings

Meeting dates 2013

6-8 March
5-7 June
11-13 September
9-11 December

Meeting dates 2014 (tentative)

10-14 March
9-13 June
8-12 September
24-28 November

As specified by the SEAC rules of procedure, the meetings of the Committee may be open to advisers, invited experts and observers at the request of the Committee members or ECHA's Management Board.