REACH — Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
The EU chemicals regulation requiring manufacturers and importers to register chemical substances and manage their safe use.
What is REACH?
REACH (Regulation EC 1907/2006) is the EU framework for the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemical substances. It requires manufacturers and importers of chemicals to assess and manage the risks posed by their substances, and to provide safety information to users. REACH also gives consumers the right to know about hazardous substances in products.
Who does it apply to?
Manufacturers and importers of chemical substances in quantities of one tonne or more per year must register them with ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). Downstream users of chemicals must ensure safe use. Importers of articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHC) above 0.1% w/w must notify ECHA and inform customers.
Key requirements
Registration of chemical substances with ECHA, including submission of safety data sheets. Restriction of certain hazardous substances. Authorisation required for substances of very high concern (SVHCs). Communication obligations along the supply chain. Regular review of substance safety assessments.