What is REACH?

The REACH Regulation stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It is the main piece of EU legislation governing the manufacture, importation, placing on the market and use of chemical substances in the European Economic Area. Environment+2single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu+2

REACH entered into force on 1 June 2007. single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu+1 Its aim is two-fold: protect human health and the environment from risks posed by chemicals, and at the same time enhance innovation and competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry. Environment+1

A key principle is: “no data, no market” — i.e., substances cannot be placed on the EU market in certain quantities unless the relevant information is submitted under REACH. greenly.earth+1

Why was REACH needed?

Prior to REACH, the EU’s chemical-substances regulatory framework was fragmented, based largely on older directives and varied across Member States. There was a large “knowledge gap” for many substances already on the market. PMC

REACH was crafted to overhaul this and create one unified system: requiring manufacturers/importers to take responsibility for understanding and managing the risks of substances, rather than relying solely on regulators. ecianow.org+1

In short: it represents a shift of burden from public authorities → industry. Assent

Key Elements of REACH

Here are the main pillars of REACH:

1. Registration

Manufacturers or importers of substances in quantities of ≥ 1 tonne/year (or other thresholds depending on hazard/quantity) must register those substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) providing data on the substance’s properties, uses, and risk management measures. greenly.earth

2. Evaluation

Once a dossier is submitted, it will be evaluated (a completeness check by ECHA, plus further “substance evaluations” by Member States) to assess if additional information is needed or whether risks are adequately controlled. Wikipedia+1

3. Authorisation

Certain substances of very high concern (SVHCs) may be placed on the Authorisation list (Annex XIV) and cannot be used (or placed on the market) unless an authorisation is granted for a specific use. The intent is to phase out or substitute the most hazardous substances unless justified. Wikipedia+1

4. Restriction

Where a risk cannot be adequately managed, a restriction can be imposed on manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain substances (Annex XVII). This is a regulatory “ban or limit” tool. PubMed

5. Information & Supply-chain obligations

REACH imposes obligations not only on manufacturers/importers, but also on downstream users (those using substances, in mixtures, or in articles). There are communication duties: e.g., consumers must be able to ask whether an article contains SVHC above certain thresholds. Wikipedia

Scope & Who is Affected

Though many people think of “chemicals companies”, REACH affects far more than that. Key features:

• It applies to substances manufactured or imported in the EU in quantities ≥ 1 tonne/year, as a substance on its own or in a mixture, or as a substance in articles under certain conditions. greenly.earth
• It includes “phase-in” substances (those already on the market before REACH) which had transition deadlines. PMC
• Downstream users and suppliers of articles can also have obligations (for example, if an article contains an SVHC above 0.1% weight by weight). Wikipedia+1
• Importers or non-EU manufacturers supplying into the EU market must comply, and often appoint an EU “only representative” if appropriate. Wikipedia