REACh Regulations

A new Eurpoean Regulation regarding the Import, manufacture and general use of chemicals within the EU came into force on the first of June 2007.

What is REACh:

REACh is the Regulation for

• Registration
• Evaluation
• Authorisation and Restriction of
• Chemicals

It entered into force on 1st June 2007 to streamline and improve the former legislative framework on chemicals of the European Union (EU). REACh places greater responsibility on industry to manage the risks that chemicals may pose to the health and the environment.

In principle REACh applies to all chemicals: not only chemicals used in industrial processes but also in our day-to-day life, for example in cleaning products, paints as well as in articles such as clothes, furniture and electrical appliances.

Objectives

The aims of REACh are to:

• Improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals.
• Enhance the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry, a key sector for the economy of the EU.
• Promote alternative methods for the assessment of hazards of substances.
• Ensure the free circulation of substances on the internal market of the European Union

How will REACh work?

REACh makes industry bear most responsibilities to manage the risks posed by chemicals and provide appropriate safety information to their users.

All manufacturers and importers of chemicals must identify and manage risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market. For substances produced or imported in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year per company, manufacturers and importers need to demonstrate that they have appropriately done so by means of a registration dossier, which shall be submitted to the Agency.

Once the registration dossier has been received, the Agency may check that it is compliant with the Regulation and shall evaluate testing proposals to ensure that the assessment of the chemical substances will not result in unnecessary testing, especially on animals.

Where appropriate, authorities may also select substances for a broader substance evaluation to further investigate substances of concern.

REACh Services from DCM Compliance

DCM Compliance has the expertise to ensure that your business is not exposed to any possible problems due to non-compliance with REACh regulations.

contact our sales team today to arrange a consultation.