REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation that regulates the handling of chemicals in the European Union. It aims to protect people and the environment from potential risks posed by chemicals and at the same time promote free trade within the EU.

The REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) came into force in 2007 and is one of the EU's most comprehensive regulatory instruments in the field of chemicals management. It requires companies that manufacture or import chemicals in the EU to register them and provide information on their potential risks. The process includes:

• Registration: Manufacturers and importers must register chemicals that are produced or imported in quantities of more than one ton per year with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
• Evaluation: ECHA and member states evaluate the data submitted to identify risks to health and the environment.
• Authorization: Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) require specific authorization for certain uses.
• Restriction: The regulation restricts the use of hazardous substances if risks cannot be adequately controlled.

REACH is based on the precautionary principle and places responsibility for the safety of chemicals on companies. This ensures that the risks of substances throughout the supply chain are transparent and can be reduced. For manufacturing companies, REACH is crucial for managing risks in the supply chain and meeting regulatory requirements. Companies should establish clear processes for data collection, supplier communication and evaluation of the substances they use. Early identification of potential risks enables timely action to be taken and compliance with REACH to be ensured efficiently.