The European Centre for the Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) organised a workshop to discuss the state-of-the-art research on noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as biomarkers in regulatory toxicology and as analytical and therapeutic agents. There was agreement that the abundance of data obtained from ncRNA expression profiling requires careful evaluation to determine the utility of specific ncRNAs for regulatory toxicology. To advance the use of ncRNA in regulatory toxicology, the following research priorities were identified: (1) Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to identify candidate ncRNAs for further assessment as potential biomarkers of toxicity and areas of toxicology where ncRNA expression profiling can address prevailing scientific deficiencies.(2) Develop consensus on how to conduct and report ncRNA expression profiling in a toxicological context to support applicability for regulatory decision-making. (3) Conduct experimental projects to evaluate the toxicological relevance of the expression profiles of selected ncRNAs. As necessary, retrospective analyses (e.g. from surplus samples from control groups from regulatory studies) can be supplemented with new (90-day) rat oral toxicity studies. These projects should aim at establishing physiological ncRNA expression profiles including the biological variability of healthy individuals. To substantiate the relevance of key ncRNAs for cell homeostasis or pathogenesis, molecular events should be linked with substance-induced apical effects in a dose-dependent manner. Applying a holistic approach, knowledge on ncRNAs, and relevant information from 'omics and epigenetics technologies, should be integrated into adverse outcome pathways to improve the understanding of the functional roles of ncRNAs within a regulatory context.