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REACH Regulation

The European Chemicals Regulation.

REACH is the European Chemicals Regulation which stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals, applied to all chemicals.

This regulation aims to ensure the high level of protection of human health and the environment and applies to all substances on their own or contained in preparations or in articles.

Between now and 2018, every chemical substance produced or imported at over 1 tonne per year in the European Union will have to be registered in a database managed by the Eurpean Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Legislative framework

The former European Union legislative framework on chemicals was indeed a patchwork of many different directives and regulations which developed historically through more than 40 legislative instruments.

In 2001, the EU launched the REACH project for the management of chemical substances.

In 2006, REACH legislation introduces a new chemical system for managing chemicals from production or importation to the final uses. This Regulation came into force on June 1st, 2007.

Main steps of REACH process

Registration of all chemical substances: by 2018, every chemical substance produced or imported at over 1 tonne per year in the EU, will have to be registered in a database managed by European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Evaluation of the registration dossier including verification of the compliance of the dossier and its content to all requirements and evaluation of the substances
For substances classified as more dangerous, REACH introduces an authorization procedure at European Union level that will be granted for a limited period fixed on a case-by-case basis. It may be revised or suspended at any time or renewed by an ECHA decision.
REACH foresees a restriction process to regulate within the EU territory the manufacture, placing on the market or specific uses of certain substances which present a risk considered as unacceptable to human health or the environment.

	Related information
	Solvay publications Solvay Live magazine REACH, a strategic business issue Solvay, Make way from the first phase Press Release Solvay successfully completes first Reach registration phase EN - FR External links Cefic European Chemical Industry Council ECHA The European Chemicals Agency REACH regulation