When organic chemistry meets the law

In Europe, chemical compounds are tightly regulated under frameworks such as REACH and CLP. Yet in laboratories, where chemists design new molecules and synthetic routes, these rules are often poorly understood or considered too late, creating avoidable regulatory and safety risks.

The tutorial article “Nemo censetur ignorare legem: What Research Chemists Should Know about the EU Legal Framework”, co-authored by Jean-Christophe Monbaliu (WEL Research Institute - ULiège) in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, provides practical guidance for researchers by linking legal requirements with laboratory practice. This structured analysis of the European framework for organic chemistry focuses on three main areas: substances related to narcotics and their precursors, compounds associated with chemical weapons, and dual-use goods and knowledge.

This interdisciplinary publication provides chemists with practical guidance for engaging with regulatory authorities from the earliest stages of their research to balance innovation, safety and compliance.

Reference: Bianchi et al, Nemo Censetur Ignorare Legem: What research chemists should know about the EU legal framework, Chem Soc Rev (2026) DOI: 10.1039/d5cs01021g