The REACH Regulation on the management and control of chemicals came into force on 1 June. REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals, is aimed at ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment, as well as improving industry competitiveness and innovation.
Although REACH came into effect on 1 June 2007, the first major milestone for business is 1 June 2008 - the beginning of a six month window when chemical manufacturers can pre-register their products - a very simple process. But if they miss the window they will have to go through the much more involved registration process straight away. For further information on pre-registration, see the European Chemicals Agency guidance.
Registration
All chemicals and preparations currently manufactured or imported into Europe over one tonne per annum will need to be registered.
To facilitate the transition to the new regime, registration requirements are phased in for substances already on the EU market. The phase in periods from the coming into force of the Regulation are:
- 3 years for CMR (Carcinogens, Mutagens, and materials toxic to Reproduction) substances above 1 tonne per year per manufacturer/importer
- 3 years for substances above 1000 tonnes per year per manufacturer/importer.
- 6 years for substances above 100 tonnes per year per manufacturer/importer.
- 11 years for substances above 1 tonne per year per manufacturer/importer.
Registration includes the provision of information on substance properties, uses, and an assessment of the associated environmental and health risks.
Evaluation provides the opportunity for regulators to assess whether the information provided is sufficient, allows clarification of the risks to human health or the environment posed by a chemical, and seeks to prevent unnecessary testing.
Substances of "very high concern" will require authorisation for specified uses prior to use. All applications for an authorisation need to include an analysis of alternatives and a substitution plan where a suitable alternative exists. There may be opportunities to become more resource efficient through material substitution or green chemistry and Envirowise will highlight any such opportunities.
Further Information
- The Health and Safety Executive(HSE) are the UK Competent Authority for the REACH Regulation. There is a helpdesk to support and advise UK businesses.
Phone 0845 408 9575 or email: ukreachca@hse.gsi.gov.uk. Their website explains REACH, what it means for you, and how you can fulfill your new responsibilities.
- Defra news release (31 May 07) REACH Regulation on chemicals come into effect.
- EUROPA press release (1 June 07) New European Chemicals Agency starts operations as REACH enters into force and associated Q & A
- UK NetRegs provides a summary of the legislation.
- The European Commission's Europa site provides summaries and links to more in-depth information.
- REACHReady, operated by the Chemical Industries Association, provides a range of services to meet the needs of REACH. The Silver Service is free and registrants have access to a website containing regularly updated information and receive alerts on upcoming legislative deadlines. The Gold service includes access to REACHScope, REACHReckoner, REACHMatchmaker and a help-desk. This is free to CIA members and available to non-members for a fee.
- REACH - the Basics (launched December 2006) provides easy to understand and actionable information from REACHReady designed for those new to REACH.
- BBC News Q&A (November 2005) article covering the aims, debates, and implications of REACH.
- EU REACH in brief (December 2006) 20 page document answering 5 main questions.
- The Royal Society of ChemistryEnvironment, Health and Safety Committee position statement (June 2005) describing practical aspects of chemical substitution.
- Guidance for downstream users (January 2008). Comprehensive 162 document published by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency).
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