This report reviews the state-of-the-art of in silico and in vitro methods for assessing dermal and ocular irritation and corrosion. Following a general introduction, the current EU legislation for the classification and labelling of chemicals causing irritation and corrosivity is summarised. Then currently available non-animal approaches are reviewed. The main alternative approaches to assess acute local toxic effects are: a) in silico approaches, including SARs, QSARs and expert systems integrating multiple approaches; and b) in vitro test methods. In this review, emphasis is placed on literature-based (Q)SAR models for skin and eye irritation and corrosion as well as computer-based expert systems.