herregistraties

Herregistraties, or "re-registrations" in Dutch, refer to the process of updating or re-registering existing products, substances, or materials in compliance with updated regulatory requirements. This concept is most prominently associated with the European Union’s chemical regulations, particularly the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) framework.

Under REACH, companies must ensure that all chemicals produced or imported in quantities exceeding one tonne per year are registered in the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) database. Herregistraties specifically apply to substances already registered under the previous EU regulations, such as the Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) or the Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC). These substances must be re-evaluated and re-registered under REACH’s stricter criteria, which include detailed chemical safety assessments, hazard communication, and risk management measures.

The process involves submitting updated technical dossiers, including information on chemical properties, exposure scenarios, and potential risks to human health and the environment. Companies must also demonstrate compliance with REACH’s principles of substitution, where safer alternatives to hazardous substances are prioritized. Failure to comply with herregistraties requirements can result in legal penalties, market restrictions, or the complete ban of non-compliant substances.

Herregistraties are not limited to chemicals; similar processes exist in other regulatory domains, such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, or food products, where periodic re-evaluation ensures ongoing adherence to evolving safety and quality standards. The goal is to maintain high levels of consumer and environmental protection while fostering innovation within regulated industries.