What is REACH?
What is REACH?
REACH is the European Chemicals legislation. REACH compliance is complicated. Here you will find ‘REACH at a glance’ and the ‘REACH Executive summary’.
REACH Registration
Registration is the core of REACH Compliance; complicated and expensive. New chemicals must be registered immediately. The deadlines for Registration for existing chemicals depend on volume and toxicity.
REACH Pre-Registration
Pre-Registration distinguishes between exiting and new chemicals. Without timely Pre-Registration, immediate registration may be required.
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REACH Scope & exemptions
Most chemicals are in scope. The lower threshold is 1 tonne per year. Important exemptions exist. Confusion about the exemption of polymers is notorious.
SVHC and Authorisation
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) feature on the REACH Candidate List. Their presence must be declared. To use Authorised substances requires a permit. Both REACH Lists are ever growing.
REACH and Articles
‘Articles’ are specially designed objects. They have their own obligations. REACH Restrictions may apply. Articles with SVHC require Notification to ECHA and communication with customers. Authorised substances may rarely be used in articles.
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Safety Data Sheets
A strict regime applies to Safety Data Sheets. Correct content, languages and distribution are strongly enforced. Exposure Scenarios must be attached, producing ‘Extended Safety Data Sheet’. GHS Classification is rapidly introduced.
CLP and GHS
Classification and Labelling are regulated in CLP. A chemicals classification must be notified to ECHA. The EU is quickly switching to the Globally Harmonised System for classification (GHS).
Glossary and Official Texts
Use the links to find official texts and detailed information. Use the glossary to understand the REACH jargon. See our list of mysterious acronyms.
