REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is the European Union’s comprehensive chemical regulatory framework, adopted in 2006 and enforced by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). REACH places the responsibility for demonstrating chemical safety on industry — manufacturers, importers, and downstream users — rather than regulatory authorities.
Registration Requirements
Under REACH, any company manufacturing or importing a chemical substance in quantities of 1 tonne per year or more must register it with ECHA. Registration requires compiling a chemical safety assessment (CSA) and technical dossier that documents the substance’s properties, hazards, and safe use conditions. The key principle is “No data, no market” — chemicals cannot be placed on the EU market without registration.
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)
REACH identifies Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) — chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR), persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), or have other serious and irreversible effects. SVHCs are listed on the ECHA Candidate List of Authorisation, and suppliers must communicate information about SVHCs to downstream users.
Authorisation and Restriction
Certain SVHCs require authorisation before they can be used, meaning companies must apply to ECHA and demonstrate that risks are adequately controlled or that socioeconomic benefits outweigh risks. REACH restriction provisions can prohibit or limit the use of specific substances across the EU when they pose unacceptable risks.
Why REACH Compliance Matters
REACH compliance is critical for any company doing business in the EU chemical supply chain. Non-compliance can result in market exclusion, legal penalties, and reputational damage. Even non-EU companies that export chemicals or products containing chemicals to the EU must ensure their EU-based importers have fulfilled REACH obligations. REACH has also influenced chemical regulations worldwide, with many countries developing similar frameworks.
