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REACH - Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals

Definition

EC 1907/2006, Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) is a European Union regulation concerning chemicals and their safe uses. REACH is designed to protect human health and the environment by identifying the properties of chemicals before they are used commercially.

REACH is a single system that replaced approximately 40 other European Directives and Regulations. The legistlation took effect June 1, 2007, with phase-in of various compenents continuing through June 1, 2009 and beyond.

Additional Info

REACH has several goals:
• A "high level of protection" for human health and the environment from risks that can be posed by chemicals.
• Enhance the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.
• Ensure a smoothly functioning market with regulations that do not vary significantly among the EU member states.
• Have substances of high concern eventually replaced by less dangerous substances or technologies where economically and technically viable.

REACH requires manufacturers and importers of substances to register them with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). ECHA manages the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction processes for chemical substances to ensure their safe use as well as the competitiveness of European industry. ECHA will begin accepting registrations June 1, 2008. Under REACH, all manufacturers and importers of chemicals must identify and manage risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market. For substances produced or imported in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year per company, manufacturers and importers need to demonstrate that they have appropriately done so by means of a registration dossier which they must submit to ECHA.

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Not all substances are covered by REACH. Examples of exempted items include radioactive substances, non-isolated intermediates, and waste. While REACH is designed not to overlap or conflict with other chemical legislation, there are certain classes of materials that are covered by REACH under certain circumstances or with tailored provisions. See Further Reading below for more information.

Books Available

• "Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction", Hardcover, 688 pages, 2007. Estimated price $199.00. Info and/or order.
• "Safety at Work, Seventh Edition", Hardcover, 1,056 pages, 2007. Estimated price $140.00. Info and/or order.
• "REACHing for Sustainable Development- Impact Assessment of the European Chemicals Framework", Paperback, 60 pages, 2007. Estimated price $54.00. Info and/or order.

MSDS Relevance

Manufacturers and importers in the European Union must provide their downstream users with the risk information they need to use the substance safely. This is accomplished via the classification and labelling system and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). See CHIP for more information.

Further Reading

The full text of the REACH regulation available in multiple formats and languages. REACH Guidance at ECHA. Frequently Asked Questions on REACH by Industry. What is REACH at the UK's Health & Safety Executive. Guidance on REACH registration at ECHA. Chemical Watch is a web site devoted to briefin businesses on REACH and chemical risks. REACH at Wikipedia. Manufacture and use of Chemicals - REACH at the UK government's NetRegs, a site which helps guide small businesses through environmental regulations.

See also: CHIP, COSHH, risk phrases, safety phrases, and the International Section of the MSDS FAQ.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.