REACH

The REACH Regulation, officially known as Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, is one of the most comprehensive chemical regulations in the world. REACH stands for "Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals" and defines how chemical substances are registered, evaluated, authorized and restricted in the European Union. The aim of the regulation is to ensure the protection of human health and the environment while guaranteeing the free trade of chemical substances within the EU. It is seen as a model for other countries and is constantly being developed to meet current challenges. Read all the news on the REACH regulation from the Table.Briefings editorial team here. What is the EU REACH Regulation? The REACH Regulation came into force on June 1, 2007 and replaces numerous previous regulations on the regulation of chemical substances. Its central principle is that companies that manufacture or import chemicals are responsible for ensuring that their products can be used safely. The special thing about the EU chemicals regulation REACH is its comprehensive approach: it applies to almost all chemical substances, including those contained in products such as cleaning agents, paints and even clothing. What does the REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006) regulate? The REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006) covers four key areas: Which substances are banned by the EU REACH Regulation? A central component of the REACH Regulation is the list of substances that are banned or restricted. These include, among others: These substances are either completely banned or their use is strictly regulated. The current bans and restrictions are listed in REACH Annex 17, which is updated regularly. REACH Article 32: Information obligations along the supply chain Transparency is a key aspect of the REACH regulation. Article 32 obliges companies to inform their business partners about the safe use of chemicals. This includes safety data sheets and information on substances in articles, especially if these substances have been classified as "substances of very high concern". What is the new EU REACH Regulation? The European Commission is planning to revise the REACH Regulation as part of its program for a "zero-pollutant future". The aim is to simplify the existing regulations and further improve protection against hazardous substances. The most important planned changes include The "new REACH regulation" is expected to come into force from 2025 and could have a significant impact on the chemical industry. REACH compliance: What does it mean for companies? Companies that manufacture, import or use chemical substances are obliged to ensure the REACH compliance of their products. This means that non-compliance with the REACH regulation can lead to considerable penalties and jeopardize market access in the EU. Challenges and criticism of the REACH Regulation Despite its successes, the REACH Regulation is also subject to criticism: The importance of the REACH Regulation for health and the environment Despite the challenges, the REACH Regulation has made a significant contribution to removing hazardous substances from the market and increasing transparency in the chemicals industry. The regulation serves as a model for similar regulations in other countries, such as the TSCA in the USA. The future of the EU REACH Regulation The planned revision of the REACH Regulation will further develop the regulatory framework to meet the challenges of a globalized and digitalized chemical industry. In view of the climate targets and the "Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability", REACH will play a central role in the transformation of the industry towards greater sustainability. The REACH Regulation is a key instrument for ensuring the protection of human health and the environment in the EU. Its complex rules place high demands on companies, but at the same time provide a clear legal framework. The planned reforms to the regulation could help to eliminate existing weaknesses and at the same time strengthen the competitiveness of the European chemical industry. In addition, they promote innovation, improve transparency along the supply chain and support harmonized implementation in all member states. The REACH Regulation remains a key to the safe and sustainable use of chemicals in Europe and worldwide.