On October 29, 2003 the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new EU regulatory framework for chemicals called REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of CHemicals).

On December 14, 2006 The European Parliament approved a compromise text for the regulation.

On December 18, The EU Council, the highest legislative body in the EU, voted in favor of the REACH regulation, The REACH legislation will become effective on June 1, 2007.

REACH regulation will replace 40+ legislative texts now governing chemicals in the European Union. REACH is considered as the world's strictest chemicals law. It is one of the largest-ever EU laws put together by the EU and it will shift responsibilities of collecting chemical security information from regulators to enterprises."

This new regulation obliges the producers to register about 30,000 chemical substances placed (produced or imported) on the European single market. Many of the chemicals are substances used in everyday products such as cosmetics, toys and building materials, etc.

Eventually, chemicals covered by this new regulation will not be allowed to enter the European market without the compliance to REACH regulations.

Worldwide chemical companies should prepare for this new EU REACH regulation, to ensure continuing selling of chemical products to the European Union. There is not much time left until the REACH becomes effective on June 1, 2007, however, most chemical producers are not fully aware of REACH or have not yet started the preparation for the implementation of REACH.

Obligations of producers (manufacturers)

FAQ- frequently asked questions on:

REACH registration
REACH compliance
REACH regulations
REACH law/legislation
REACH symbol
REACH logo
REACH labels
REACH software
REACH, WEEE & ROHS
REACH directive
REACH standard
Which EU countries require registration
With whom to register
What are your options

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