Hazardous substances under REACH: improving surveillance through targeted sampling

Issue/problem

The use of chemicals with hazardous substances poses a health risk due to environmental exposure. REACH (Annex XVII) restricts the sale and use of high‑concern substances, including carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction substances (CMRs). Effective health protection requires official controls to detect non-compliance and withdraw unsafe products; targeted sampling supports efficient use of resources.

Description of the problem

In 2023–2025, the Community of Madrid ran sampling programmes to check REACH restrictions in consumer products. Common categories were screened (varnishes, sprays, strippers and glues). Analytes were prioritised using ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) advice, available methods and programme experience: benzene, toluene, chloroform, 1,2‑DCE and dichloromethane (several CMRs). The challenge was to identify product profiles with the greatest public health impact and highest risk of non-compliance in order to maximise the effectiveness of sampling and enforcement.

Results

Overall non‑compliance rose from 8% in 2023 to 75% in 2025 due to risk‑focused sampling, partly driven by an increase in adhesives from 50% to 67%, the product type with the highest non‑compliance rate. Also a high‑failure profile was found: high‑strength, fast‑dry, low‑price glues, origin China; in 2025 selected glue samples were 100% non‑compliant. Failures were mainly due to toluene and 1,2‑DCE (proven carcinogen). Actions were market withdrawal (86.6%) and/or alert reporting (SIRIPQ).

Lessons

Risk‑based targeting improves control effect and efficiency. Unsafe products remain available to the public, often low‑price and easier to reach for lower‑income groups; stronger checks can cut exposure to CMRs above legal limits.

Key messages

• In Madrid, risk‑based sampling increased detection of hazardous consumer chemicals products from 8% to 75%, focusing on EU‑restricted substances posing health risks.

• The study reveals a high‑risk profile—low‑cost, fast‑dry glues—driving 100% non‑compliance in 2025, showing how smarter sampling can cut exposure to CMR substances, especially among vulnerable groups.