In accordance with internationally accepted definitions, risk assessment is one of the three components of risk, the others being risk management and risk communication. Risk assessment is a scientifically based process comprising four steps: hazard identification, hazard characterisation, exposure assessment and risk characterisation.

Within the Commission there is a functional separation between risk assessment and risk management. This is essential in order to protect the scientific integrity of the risk assessment process and to ensure an appropriate balance of the various factors that affect risk management choices.