REACH Compliance

Another important aspect of REACH is the Authorisation List, under which certain hazardous substances may only be used with prior authorisation granted by the Agency. The “waiting room” for the Authorisation List is the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), which includes, among others, carcinogenic, germ cell mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances; persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances; very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances; as well as substances giving rise to an equivalent level of concern. Where the Agency so decides, SVHCs are included in the Authorization List. In this process, particular importance is given to whether the substance has PBT or vPvB properties, as well as to its high volume and widespread use.

Another cornerstone of REACH is the so-called Restriction List, which prohibits the manufacture, use and placing on the market of certain substances for specified uses. It is important to note, however, that the inclusion of a substance on the list does not necessarily mean that its use is generally prohibited. For most substances, the restriction takes a different form, which may include a maximum concentration by weight, a specific product type, or an emission limit value.

REACH is an extensive and complex Regulation that is legally binding and can be difficult to navigate. It is therefore advisable to seek expert assistance. Request a quotation for REACH compliance services.

With a few exceptions, REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) is binding on all actors within the Community, and aims to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment. For this reason, it is undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of legislation governing substances, mixtures and articles on the European market.

One of the most important provisions of the REACH Regulation is that substances manufactured or imported into the Community are subject to registration if the quantity of the substance exceeds one tonne per year. During registration, depending on the quantity produced, various physicochemical (e.g. melting point, vapour pressure, etc.), toxicological (e.g. acute toxicity) and ecotoxicological (e.g. aquatic toxicity) properties of the registered substance must be provided in accordance with specified methods, while efforts are made to avoid animal testing wherever possible. In addition, REACH also specifies when we are required to provide downstream users with safety data sheets for the substances or mixtures we manufacture or distribute, as well as what information must be communicated along the supply chain.