BAuA performs tasks assigned to it by legislation, by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), or through agreements with other federal ministries.

Its statutory tasks include international activities relating to the regulation of industrial chemicals and the authorisation and evaluation of biocidal products. As the Federal Office for Chemicals (BfC), BAuA is the statutory competent authority for tasks within the context of the REACH, CLP and Biocidal Products Regulations.

Under the Product Safety Act (ProdSG), BAuA is tasked with supporting the work of the competent authorities for market surveillance in the federal states and with providing information on the safety of everyday objects and work equipment.