REACH Regulations

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulations – the REACH Regulations - are now in force and will be fully implemented over an 11-year period in a phased approach.

These Regulations cover all chemical substances, including preparations manufactured or imported into the EU, in quantities greater than 1 tonne per year. There are exemptions for substances covered by other legislation, e.g. radioactive substances, medicines and pest control products.

Manufacturers and importers have to gather information on their products, including the properties of the chemicals, and register them with a central database, co-ordinated by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). Registration begins on 1 June 2008 until 30th November 2008. After this initial stage, all uses of a chemical, downstream of its manufacture, will need to be identified and registered by the full registration.

The aim of these regulations is to improve the protection of human health and the environment through earlier identification of harmful properties of chemicals. Also, it is hoped that the development of new, safer products will increase the innovative capability and competitiveness of the European chemicals industry.

For further information please go to www.netregs.gov.uk or contact the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) helpdesk on 0845 408 9575 or email ukreach@hse.gsi.gov.uk