JRC releases updated Safe and Sustainable by Design guidance

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published revised methodological guidance to support implementation of the EU's Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework for chemicals and materials.

The document provides practical guidance on applying the revised SSbD framework published in 2025 and endorsed through a Commission Recommendation in March 2026. Building on the 2024 guidance, the updated version provides additional detail on conducting scoping analyses to define the objectives and boundaries of safety and sustainability assessments, while reinforcing an iterative and tiered approach.

The guidance also expands on safety assessment, environmental sustainability assessment and socio-economic considerations, drawing on stakeholder feedback and lessons from the SSbD testing phase. It is particularly relevant for developers and manufacturers of advanced materials, including nanomaterials, seeking to integrate safety and sustainability considerations throughout the innovation process.