Last update: 01/2004
What is ECB-NET?
Objectives
How does it work?
Achievements
Who benefits?
The role of IDABC
Technical information
Documentation
What is ECB-NET?
ECB-NET is a web-based network designed for information and data transfer concerning chemical substances. Once fully online, it will be used by the European Commission, national administrations and authorities, the chemical industry and eventually, the public.
The ECB, which is a Unit in the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) and located at the JRC's site in Ispra, Italy, is responsible for the technical implementation of the EU's chemical legislation.
Its main work areas are:
Biocides: responsibility for the scientific and technical issues arising from the approval of active substances in biocidal products (Directive 98/8/EC concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market);
Classification and Labelling: this involves an evaluation of the hazard of a substance or preparation in accordance with EU directives and a communication of that hazard via the label;
Existing chemicals: responsibility for data collection, priority setting, risk assessment of existing chemicals;
Import-Export: responsibility for information exchange with the Member States, third countries and the UNEP/FAO, and for the monitoring of export and import of chemicals which are subject to restrictions in their use and applications because of their potential hazard;
New Chemicals: this includes coordination of EU notification scheme and risk assessment for new chemical substances; management of the New Chemicals Database (NCD) maintained in a security area with authorised access only; preparation of a European List of New Chemical Substances (ELINCS); supervision of Technical and Scientific Meetings (TSMs) and Working Group Meetings allowing Member State Competent Authorities to discuss issues arising related to the implementation of Directives;
Testing Methods: ensuring the implementation and harmonisation of test methods on chemical substances in the European Union, in close collaboration with the OECD and other international organisations.
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Objectives
ECB-NET's over-arching objective is to construct a network for the exchange of data and information on industrial chemicals between national administrations and European Commission services. The need for a rapid exchange of information among the authorities is due to the increasing demand for the chemical legislation to respect the environment and the health of the general public. In this sense ECB-NET is also aiming at informing citizens about the properties and risks of potentially dangerous chemicals used in their everyday lives.
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How does it work?
Once complete, the network will include a system for document management and information workflow control. It will allow transmission of confidential information and data between the network partners, and give them all access to the central database operated by the ECB.
The network structure will be available for submission of data from the chemical industry to the ECB and for public access to the non-confidential areas of the ECB databases. The tools developed will also be available for data transmission between the ECB and international organisations as well as other bodies outside the EU. Helpdesk services for external contributors of information are also available.
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Achievements
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Who benefits?
Businesses: Chemical Industry and NGOs. The network will facilitate data input from the chemical industry to authorities, and the subsequent distribution of data and information to authorities, industry, NGOs and the general public. Under the New Chemicals Policy, which will require a greater effort from the industry, the network will ease the burden on small and medium enterprises which will be able to use the network's tools for easy data entry and data transfer.
Citizens: The direct access to the central non-confidential databases for the public will increase the safety of chemicals and the transparency of their registration and assessment under the New Chemicals Policy.
Public Administrations: European Commission and National Authorities. Presently all participants typically use floppy disks for data transmission. Direct data transfer between the involved parties will result in significant time-saving. The network will also provide direct access to the central database maintained by the ECB. As an added advantage, a coherent system for document handling will make the organisation and management of meetings simpler. The network will eliminate the current delay in the risk assessment procedure due to slow transfer of data between the parties. This will be a benefit not only for the involved administrations but also for industry which produces the chemicals and the public who are exposed to the potentially dangerous chemicals.
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The role of IDA(BC)
IDA(BC) finances the research and the development of the project and provides the generic services for its implementation (TESTA, PKI and XML).
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Technical information
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Project start date
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2000
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Project completion date
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2004
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Project status
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Feasibility for the data transfer and development of a procedure for document exchange
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IDA budget
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2000 € 237,000
2001 no funding
2002 € 441,000
2003 € 750,000
2004 € 280,000
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Responsible service
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DG Joint Research Centre, DG Taxation and Customs, DG Environment, DG Enterprise
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Project coordinator
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Ole Nørager
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Contact
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idabc@ec.europa.eu
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Countries involved
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All EU Member States
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Public website
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http://ecb.jrc.it/
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Documentation:
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Print
ECB-Net GIP- XML and data transfer - June 2003 (PDF)
