REACHreglene

REACHreglene, commonly referred to as REACH, is the European Union Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006). It aims to protect human health and the environment from chemical risks while improving information flow along the supply chain and encouraging safer substitutes. REACH places responsibility on manufacturers and importers to gather data, assess risks, and ensure safe usage of chemical substances.

The regulation applies to most chemical substances manufactured, imported, or placed on the EU market above a certain annual quantity, typically starting at one tonne per year. It covers substances on their own, in mixtures, and in certain cases, articles. Polymers have specific exemptions and rules, and some low-risk substances may have simplified requirements. REACH also interacts with the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regime to ensure consistent hazard communication.

Key elements of REACH include: Registration, where manufacturers and importers submit a dossier with substance identity, properties, uses, and exposure information to ECHA via the REACH-IT system; Evaluation, by ECHA and member states, to assess the adequacy of the data and risk management measures; Authorisation, for substances of very high concern (SVHC) that require permission to continue certain uses (Annex XIV); and Restrictions, which may limit or ban specific uses of substances (Annex XVII). Substances identified as SVHC may be added to a Candidate List, triggering further supply-chain duties to communicate hazards.

Enforcement is carried out by national authorities within the EU and EEA member states, with penalties for non-compliance. ECHA manages the central database and coordinates information, including safety data sheets and exposure scenarios, to support safer chemical use across markets.