International chemical law

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 – the Chemicals Regulation (REACH) – came into effect on 1 June 2007

The regulation governs the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.

Since the establishment of REACH, it has become very important for companies that produce, import or use chemicals in the EU to review their strategic planning and, where necessary, to adjust it accordingly.

By 31 May 2018 the third and last registration phase under REACH, that of the smallest volume band (1-100 t/a), came to an end.

REACH reverses the burden of proof

Companies are obliged to identify the risks associated with the substances they produce and bring onto the EU market, and to undertake a risk assessment for human health and the environment. The measures start with testing all raw materials or chemical products and evaluating the existing data or information gaps. The products are then classified and identified and the corresponding Safety Data Sheets are compiled. All applications along the entire supply chain must then also be identified for the final registration of substances at ECHA.

To register the substances, a dossier must be created in the IUCLID database system and a chemical safety assessment performed. Here, the first consideration is to check whether low toxicity or the absence of exposure means that data do not have to be submitted. Data modelling (QSAR), the transfer of data from analogue substances (cross-reading) and the development of an efficient registration strategy are also part of this process.

In accordance with REACH, non-EU manufacturers must have an Only Representative (OR) within the EU to implement the substance registration process. We can assume this role on your behalf, and thereby play a pivotal role in the successful marketing of your products in the EU. REACH compliance is much more complex when it comes to multi-stage, non-EU supply chains. In this case, our specially developed Chemservice OR-Trustee system ensures that you fulfill your obligations, all the while preserving business confidentiality.