EU Legislation

EU Legislation

WHAT IS REACH?

REACH is a new European Union regulation concerning the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals. It entered into force on 1 June 2007, replacing a number of European Directives and Regulations with a single system.

OBJECTIVES

REACH has several objectives:​

To ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment regarding the use of chemicals.

To hold those who place chemical substances on the market (manufacturers and importers) responsible for understanding and managing the risks associated with their use.

To allow the free movement of substances on the EU market.

To enhance innovation and competitiveness in the EU chemicals sector.

To promote the use of alternative methods for assessing the hazardous properties of substances; e.g., quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and read-across.

SCOPE AND EXEMPTIONS

REACH applies to substances manufactured or imported in the EU in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year. In general, it applies to chemical substances on their own, in mixtures, or in articles (if the substance is intended to be released from an article under normal and reasonably foreseeable conditions of use). Certain substances are specifically excluded:

Radioactive substances

Substances subject to customs supervision

Transport of substances

Non-isolated intermediates

Waste

Certain naturally occurring low-hazard substances

Specific provisions—including the following—apply to certain substances covered by more specific legislation:

Human and veterinary medicinal products

Food and food additives

Plant protection products and biocides

Other substances are subject to adapted provisions under the REACH regulation, provided they are used under specified conditions:

Isolated intermediates

Substances used for research and development

Source: http://echa.europa.eu