REACH is a regulation of the European Union, adopted to improve the
protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can
be posed by chemicals, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU
chemicals industry. It also promotes alternative methods for the hazard
assessment of substances in order to reduce the number of tests on
animals.
In principle, REACH applies to all chemical substances; not only
those used in industrial processes but also in our day-to-day lives, for
example in cleaning products, paints as well as in articles such as
clothes, furniture and electrical appliances. Therefore, the regulation
has an impact on most companies across the EU.
REACH places the burden of proof on companies. To comply with the
regulation, companies must identify and manage the risks linked to the
substances they manufacture and market in the EU. They have to
demonstrate to ECHA how the substance can be safely used, and they must
communicate the risk management measures to the users.
If the risks cannot be managed, authorities can restrict the use of
substances in different ways. In the long run, the most hazardous
substances should be substituted with less dangerous ones.
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It entered into force on 1 June 2007.
How does REACH work?
REACH establishes procedures for collecting and assessing information on the properties and hazards of substances.
Companies need to register their substances and to do this they need
to work together with other companies who are registering the same
substance.
ECHA receives and evaluates individual registrations for their
compliance, and the EU Member States evaluate selected substances to
clarify initial concerns for human health or for the environment.
Authorities and ECHA's scientific committees assess whether the risks of
substances can be managed.
Authorities can ban hazardous substances if their risks are
unmanageable. They can also decide to restrict a use or make it subject
to a prior authorisation.
REACH's effect on companies
REACH impacts on a wide range of companies across many sectors, even
those who may not think of themselves as being involved with chemicals.
In general, under REACH you may have one of these roles:
Manufacturer: If you make chemicals, either to use yourself or to
supply to other people (even if it is for export), then you will
probably have some important responsibilities under REACH.
Importer: If you buy anything from outside the EU/EEA, you are likely
to have some responsibilities under REACH. It may be individual
chemicals, mixtures for onwards sale or finished products, like clothes,
furniture or plastic goods.
Downstream users: Most companies use chemicals, sometimes even
without realising it, therefore you need to check your obligations if
you handle any chemicals in your industrial or professional activity.
You might have some responsibilities under REACH.
Companies established outside the EU: If you are a company
established outside the EU, you are not bound by the obligations of
REACH, even if you export their products into the customs territory of
the European Union. The responsibility for fulfilling the requirements
of REACH, such as registration lies with the importers established in
the European Union, or with the only representative of a non-EU
manufacturer established in the European Union.