ChemFORWARD Assessments and SAFER™ Label Certification: A Guide to Safer Chemicals
What Is ChemFORWARD?
ChemFORWARD is a science-based, non-profit organization committed to advancing safer chemicals through global supply chain collaboration. By building a globally standardized, open-access database of chemical hazard data, ChemFORWARD helps brands, manufacturers, and suppliers identify and verify safer chemical alternatives across industries.
Image source: ChemFORWARD
Using internationally recognized classification systems like the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), ChemFORWARD provides high-quality, third-party verified data that supports informed, responsible decision-making in product development and chemical selection.
ChemFORWARD’s Hazard Assessment Framework
ChemFORWARD assesses chemicals based on 24 human and environmental health endpoints, grouped into three main categories:
Human Health Hazards
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Carcinogenicity
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Mutagenicity
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Reproductive toxicity
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Developmental toxicity
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Endocrine disruption
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Acute toxicity
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Repeat dose toxicity
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Neurotoxicity
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Skin sensitization
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Respiratory sensitization
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Skin irritation
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Eye irritation
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Aspiration hazards
Environmental Hazards
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Acute aquatic toxicity
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Chronic aquatic toxicity
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Persistence
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Bioaccumulation
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Climate relevance
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Terrestrial toxicity
Other Hazards
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Reactivity
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Flammability
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Organic halogens
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Toxic metals
ChemFORWARD Hazard Ratings
Based on the assessment, each chemical is assigned a hazard score ranging from A to F, or a U rating for incomplete data:
| Rating | Description |
| A | Low hazard, low risk – preferred |
| B | Moderate hazard, low risk |
| C | Moderate hazard and/or moderate risk |
| D | Moderate to high hazard; emerging regulatory concerns |
| F | High hazard, high risk – avoid |
| U | Unrated due to insufficient data or incomplete assessment |
ChemFORWARD Chemical Hazard Data Platform
Once verified, hazard data is stored on the ChemFORWARD Chemical Hazard Information Platform, offering a robust and scalable solution for global chemical transparency. The platform provides:
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GHS-based hazard classification
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A scientifically validated database of chemical alternatives
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Expert-reviewed toxicological assessments
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A cloud-based, user-friendly platform for equitable data sharing
Platform Access
Subscribers gain access to hazard ratings for over 200,000 chemicals, with intuitive visualization tools. ChemFORWARD’s data is widely used in sectors like electronics, personal care, packaging, and green building, and supports compliance with major sustainability standards.
The ChemFORWARD SAFER™ Label
The ChemFORWARD SAFER™ label identifies safer chemical ingredients by trade name. To qualify, products must undergo rigorous third-party assessment by certified toxicologists. Each chemical present at or above threshold levels must be disclosed and assessed to confirm it poses no high hazards based on ChemFORWARD’s methodology.
Application Process
To apply for the SAFER™ label:
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Disclose product ingredients to qualified ChemFORWARD assessors.
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Undergo comprehensive hazard assessments for human health and the environment.
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Verify safety through third-party toxicology review.
Image source: ChemFORWARD
Post-Certification Obligations
Products with the SAFER™ label are subject to periodic review to ensure continued compliance. Certified companies can access the ChemFORWARD platform, promote transparency, and identify safer alternatives throughout their supply chains.
Companies Participating in the SAFER™ Program
Notable participants include Inolex, BASF, Dow, Clariant, Chinova Bioworks, ANGUS Chemical, Evonik, Zaclon, Ahlstrom, World Centric, and TotalEnergies Corbion.
Our Services
As the first and currently the only ChemFORWARD-qualified assessor in Asia, REACH24H Consulting Group offers end-to-end services for businesses seeking safer chemical solutions:
ChemFORWARD Chemical Assessments
Thorough, science-based assessments to ensure compliance with the latest GHS classification standards.
Platform Subscription Support
Guidance for subscribing and navigating ChemFORWARD’s 200,000+ chemical hazard database.
SAFER™ Product Assessment & Certification
Assessment of raw materials by product name to help suppliers earn the SAFER™ label.
Ingredient Intelligence Reports
Detailed ingredient breakdowns for brands and retailers seeking safer, more transparent product choices.
CleanScreen & IPC-1402 Compliance
Assessment services for cleaners and degreasers to meet global safety requirements.
Safer Alternative Identification
Support for green transitions through the substitution of high-hazard chemicals with safer alternatives.
Extended Services
Assistance with TCO Certified Accepted Substance Lists and EPEAT chemical assessments.
Why Choose REACH24H?
Holistic Green Solutions
We provide comprehensive support for chemical safety and sustainable transformation.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Our team includes professionals in pharmacy, chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and veterinary medicine.
Proven Track Record
Years of practical experience in hazard and risk assessments across a wide range of products.
Global Service Network
Multilingual experts fluent in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Hindi serve clients around the world efficiently.
