Chemicals Policy - REACH (& GHS)
The new EC Regulation 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of CHemicals (REACH) regulation, is making fundamental changes to the way that chemical risks are managed.
What does REACH require?
REACH requires anyone manufacturing or importing a chemical substance to be placed on the market in the EU, in quantities above 1 tonne per year, to register that substances for the uses to which it will be put. The registration dossier will include information on the risks of the chemical substance and how it can be used safely. In addition, REACH includes provisions for the authorisation and restriction of the use of chemicals deemed to be of very high concern. REACH also places obligations on those that use chemicals, for example to exchange of information along the supply chain.
Why was REACH introduced?
The aim of REACH is “to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment as well as the free circulation of substances on the internal market while enhancing competitiveness and innovation.” (Article 1.1 of REACH)
When did REACH come into force?
REACH came into force on 1 June 2007 and will be implemented in phases, with existing chemicals being registered by 1 June 2018, at the latest. For more detail, see the REACH Implementation Timeline.
How does REACH affect me?
If you manufacture or import chemicals your obligations will depend upon the properties of the chemical concerned and the amount involved. Chemicals of concern for their potential to harm humans or the environment will require more data for evaluation. In general, high volume chemicals and those of concern will require registration first.
To find out more about the different registration deadlines click here.
If you use chemicals, you will have the obligation to ensure that you use them safely, in line with appropriate instructions from your supplier. You do not have to register the chemicals you use, unless you import them from outside the EU.
To find out more about your obligations under REACH just click here.
And GHS?
In 2006, RPA assisted the European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry) to prepare an impact assessment for the introduction of the UN Globally Harmonised System of classification, labelling and packaging (GHS) within the EU. RPA has also assessed the impacts of the GHS on specific industry sectors for representatives of the industries concerned.
ECHA has recently published its Introductory Guidance on the CLP Regulation based on work done by RPA (with support from NCEC (AEA)) for the European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry) to support the introduction of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 which implements the GHS in the EU (read more...).
How can RPA help?
Over many years RPA has developed an understanding of the concerns of industry and regulators throughout Europe. We have supported the European Commission in the development of its REACH guidance documents and impact assessments. We have also undertaken REACH related work for European trade organisations and private sector companies.
Together with our partners in the REACH Consultant Network, RPA has the experience and expertise to guide and support you through every aspect of your REACH obligations, from providing on demand advice to dossier preparation and Only Representative Services. RPA is also a REACHReady Approved Supplier (read more...).
