Hazardous substances are present in most consumer goods used today at home, school or work. REACH, the new EU regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of CHemicals (EC N°1907/2006), entered into force on 1st June 2007 with immediate application.

It creates a single system of chemicals regulation: some 30,000 chemical substances used today will be registered over a period of 11 years in a central public database administered by a new European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) located in Helsinki (Finland).

REACH applies to manufacturers, downstream users and importers of chemicals within the EU. They have to prove that substances are safe to use and that they control the risks to human health and the environment.

REACH scope

• Single chemical Substances,
  
• Preparations (mixtures of chemicals)
  
• Articles

A variety of products from different sectors is concerned:

• Chemicals
  
• Electrical & Electronic products, Automotive
  
• Textile, Footwear, Fabrics, Leather
• Accessories
  
• Toys, Furniture, Paints, Cosmetics, Detergents

REACH guidelines

• Priority on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC):
  • Substances that are Carcinogen, Mutagen, Reprotoxic (CMR)
    
  • Substances that are persistent, that accumulate in the food chain and are toxic (PBT and vPvB) and endocrine disrupters

• Obligation of information communication about chemicals properties up and down the supply
  chain

• Progressive substitution of the most dangerous chemicals if suitable safer alternatives have
  been identified

For more information about Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals and how we can support you, please visit SGS REACH.