133 Innovating safely: a policy framework for nanomaterials & advanced materials

Abstract The Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development (OECD) supports countries in developing and implementing policies that ensure the safe, sustainable, and innovative use of nanomaterials and advanced materials. The objective is to coordinate international efforts to strengthen the scientific basis for regulatory decision making. This includes harmonising testing approaches, improving the comparability of data across jurisdictions, and providing tools that enable coherent and innovation supportive policy frameworks. A central component of this work is the development, adaptation, and validation of OECD Test Guidelines (TGs) and other guidance documents tailored to the unique properties and behaviours of nanomaterials and advanced materials. Current activities include updating existing methods, addressing nano specific endpoints, enhancing characterisation requirements, and developing guidance on exposure assessment, grouping and read across methodologies, and safe by design implementation. These efforts support both human health and environmental protection while helping create conditions that facilitate responsible innovation. This presentation will provide an overview of OECD’s work in this area, including the latest developments in the revision and creation of Test Guidelines and guidance documents for nanomaterials and advanced materials; ongoing projects that aim to improve regulatory readiness; and areas of work under consideration. By aligning scientific progress with regulatory requirements, the OECD aims to help countries manage potential risks while fostering conditions for safe and sustainable technological innovation.