What is REACH and what does it do?

What is REACH?

REACH stands for "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals." It is a regulation enacted by the European Union (EU) to improve the management of chemicals and their impact on human health and the environment. REACH came into force on June 1, 2007, and it applies to all chemicals manufactured or imported into the EU.

Objectives of REACH:

1. Protect Human Health and the Environment:

   • Minimize the adverse effects of chemicals on human health and the environment.

2. Ensure Safe Use of Chemicals:

   • Promote the safe production, import, and use of chemicals.

3. Enhance Transparency and Information Sharing:

   • Provide more information about the properties and risks of chemicals.

4. Encourage Alternatives:

   • Promote the substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives.

Scope of REACH:

REACH applies to all chemicals produced or imported into the EU, including industrial chemicals, chemicals in consumer products, and even some waste substances. It consists of four main steps:

The 4 Key Steps of REACH:

1. Registration:

• Companies manufacturing or importing chemicals in quantities of 1 ton or more per year must register them with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

• Registration requires detailed information about the chemical's properties, uses, and risks.

• A technical dossier and, for higher volumes, a Chemical Safety Report (CSR) must be submitted.

2. Evaluation:

• ECHA and national authorities evaluate the registered chemicals.

• This step ensures the accuracy of the provided information and assesses potential risks.

• Additional testing or safety measures may be requested if necessary.

3. Authorisation:

• Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) require special authorization for use.

• SVHCs include chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction (CMR), or persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT).

• The authorization process aims to phase out the use of such substances and replace them with safer alternatives.

4. Restriction:

• Certain chemicals or groups of chemicals may be restricted or banned across the EU.

• Restrictions are applied to chemicals that pose significant risks to human health or the environment.

Impact of REACH on Chemicals and Products:

1. Manufacturers and Importers:

   • Companies producing or importing chemicals in the EU must comply with REACH obligations.

   • They are responsible for registering chemicals, conducting tests, and providing safety information.

2. Consumer Products:

   • Chemicals used in consumer products (e.g., toys, textiles) are also subject to REACH.

   • Hazardous chemicals in products may be restricted or banned.

3. Supply Chain:

   • Suppliers must provide information about chemicals used in their products.

   • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be prepared and shared.

Benefits of REACH:

• Human Health and Environment: Reduces the harmful effects of chemicals.

• Transparency: Increases access to information about chemicals.

• Innovation: Encourages the development of safer chemicals and alternatives.

• Global Impact: Non-EU manufacturers and exporters must also comply with REACH to access the EU market.

Key Institutions Involved in REACH:

1. ECHA (European Chemicals Agency):

   • Responsible for implementing REACH.

   • Website: https://echa.europa.eu/.

2. National Authorities:

   • Each EU member state has a national authority responsible for enforcing REACH.

REACH in Non-EU Countries:

While REACH is an EU regulation, it has a global impact. Companies outside the EU that export chemicals or products to the EU must comply with REACH. Additionally, many countries have adopted similar regulations inspired by REACH, such as:

• Turkey: KKDIK (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals), which is largely aligned with REACH.

• South Korea: K-REACH.

• China: China REACH.

Key Terms in REACH:

• SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern): Chemicals with serious health or environmental risks.

• SDS (Safety Data Sheet): A document providing detailed information about a chemical's properties and hazards.

• Technical Dossier: A file submitted during registration, containing data on the chemical's properties and uses.