The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is stepping up its game to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate the complexities of chemicals compliance. They've just rolled out an updated SME Hub on their website, which is all about making it easier for these businesses to meet their obligations under European chemicals legislation. Supporting SMEs is a key part of what ECHA is all about.
Helsinki, 11 November 2025 – The revamped SME Hub is packed with a variety of online tools and guidance materials created by ECHA and EU Member States. One exciting addition is a pilot AI-powered virtual assistant, designed to help SMEs quickly find reliable regulatory information. These new resources were showcased at the SME Assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark, during the EU’s SME Week.
Mercedes Viñas, ECHA’s Director for Submissions and Interaction, shared her thoughts:
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“ECHA’s strategy emphasizes the need to provide tools, advice, and support, especially for smaller companies, to help them meet their responsibilities under EU chemicals legislation.
“We’ve been in direct conversations with SMEs and industry representatives to really grasp the unique challenges they face. This dialogue helps us respond more effectively to their concerns. We’re committed to working closely with SMEs and their representatives to ensure their needs are met in our current and future initiatives, including the development of new tools for the industry. The competitiveness of European small and medium-sized enterprises is crucial for our economy’s success, and it remains a top priority for ECHA.”
As part of its broader digital transformation, ECHA is testing out artificial intelligence to see how it can better support SMEs in complying with EU chemicals legislation. Recent efforts include a webinar for SMEs on 22 October, which featured AI-generated translations, and the introduction of the AI-powered virtual assistant.
Available around the clock in all EU languages, the virtual assistant is here to help companies find reliable information about their regulatory duties. It pulls answers from publicly accessible sources, including Q&As and guidance found on ECHA’s websites. During the pilot phase, ECHA will review the questions submitted, the responses generated, and user feedback to keep enhancing the service.
Further information
SME Hub
SME webinar: Do you need to register under REACH?
SME Assembly 2025
Press contact:
Mikko Väänänen
Email: press@echa.europa.eu
Tel: +358 40 520 3513
ECHA is the European Union’s chemicals agency, tasked with enforcing EU chemicals regulations and safeguarding human health and the environment through its efforts in chemical safety.
