Chemicals
EU chemicals policy - REACH
Introduction
Around 100,000 different substances are registered in the EU, of which around 30,000 are manufactured or imported in quantities above 1 tonne. Adequate data on the environmental and health effects is available for only a small proportion of these chemicals.
The previous EU regulatory system inherent in current EU policy for dealing with the majority of these chemicals - known as "existing" substances - had been in place since 1993 and has prioritised 140 chemicals of high concern. Although a programme of work was drawn up, progress on regulatory action was slow.
In response to that, the European Commission published a white paper outlining ideas on the future EU chemicals strategy in February 2001. The white paper proposed a single system to gather hazard information, assess risks, classify, label, and restrict the marketing and use of individual chemicals and mixtures. This is known as the REACH system:
Registration of basic information of substances to be submitted by companies, in a central database.
Evaluation of the registered information to determine hazards and risks.
Authorisation requirements and restrictions imposed on the use of high-concern substances. This process will be used for both new and old...
CHemicals.
REACH covers both "new" and "existing" substances. All chemicals produced or imported into the EU in quantities above 1 tonne per year will be registered in a central database. Chemicals deemed to be of most concern will need an authorisation. This will require industry to gain specific permission for particular uses which have been demonstrated to be safe. Other uses will be prohibited.
REACH entered into force on 1 June 2007. The first major milestone was the pre-registration period for eligible chemicals, which ran from 1 June – 1 December 2008. Chemicals that were pre-registered benefit from phased registration deadlines up to June 2018, depending on the annual tonnages involved. A ‘late’ pre-registration is available to companies that manufacture or import an “existing” substance for the first time after 1 December 2008.
The new regime also creates a European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and amend currents legislation. The Existing Substances (Regulation 793/93/EEC) continued alongside REACH for one year in order to help facilitate the transition to REACH, and was then replaced by REACH from 1 June 2008. Similarly the Marketing and Use Directive (76/769/EEC) will continue for two years until 1 June 2009 and then also be replaced by REACH.
The UK national Competent Authority for REACH is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and has set up a Helpdesk to provide UK businesses with technical advice and information on the implementation of REACH. The Helpdesk can be contacted by email at ukreachca@hse.gsi.gov.uk. There is also a website at www.hse.gov.uk/reach containing much more information and advice, as well as links to other useful sites and sources of information.
Latest update
UK Implementation of REACH
12 February 2009: REACH and recovered waste substances guidance (updated) (PDF 100 KB)
14 January 2009: ECHA consults on the first draft recommendation for priority substances for authorisation.
1 January 2009: Formation of industry Substance Information Exchange Fora (SIEFs) begins
1 December 2008: REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008 come into force. (PDF 100 KB)
28 October 2008: ECHA publishes the first Candidate List of hazardous chemicals that may become subject to Authorisation.
See background for earlier documents.
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Page last modified: 17 February 2009
Page published: 4 December 2002