Page 8 - CITDBooklet

Guide on the application of REACH Regulation

INTRODUCTION TO THE 01
REACH REGULATION

1.1 REACH in nut shell

1.2 ■ REACH is probably the most important and challenging chemical legislation of all
time and was adopted in Europe in December 2006. REACH entered into force on 1
June 2007.

■ REACH [EC/1907/2006 of 18th December 2006] is an EU Regulation and therefore
mandatory across all EU member states.

■ REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization (and Restrictions) of
CHemicals.
1.3
Understanding REACH

REACH is a regulation of the European Union (EU), 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 the European Chemicals Agency (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.

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 authorization.

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