If you imagine chemicals as being stars in the sky, together they form a universe of substances, some closer to each other and others further apart with different properties and hazard profiles.To help map this universe and speed up the identification of chemicals that need to be regulated, ECHA currently assesses them in groups. This means that we put structurally similar chemicals together, with the assumption that they are likely to have a similar hazard and can be used in a similar way. The outcomes of the assessments for the first groups of chemicals are now available. By assessing substances in groups, the risk management of chemicals becomes more efficient, and making the assessments public brings more predictability for companies. It also helps them to avoid replacing a harmful chemical with another that could be equally harmful but has not yet made it to the authorities’ radar.We interview Chrystele Tissier, who works as a Regulatory Officer in ECHA’s Prioritisation Unit. She talks about how ECHA assesses the regulatory needs for groups, what information is made public, and how it can be used by companies and authorities. Give us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us: *Twitter *Facebook *LinkedIn Visit our websiteDisclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.