Background to the REACH Regulation
The REACH Regulation, which stands for "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals", came into force in the European Union in 2007. Its aim is to establish a comprehensive chemicals management system. REACH requires all manufacturers, importers, users and distributors to carry out a detailed registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals to ensure that their use does not pose a risk to human health and the environment.

The main objectives of REACH are
Protect human health: By assessing and controlling the risks of chemicals, REACH ensures that people who use these chemicals are not adversely affected.

Protecting the environment: REACH aims to reduce the negative impact of chemicals on the natural environment, including soil, water sources and air.

Promoting innovation: By encouraging research and development of safer alternatives, REACH helps to promote innovation.

Enhancing competitiveness: REACH encourages European companies to better understand and manage the chemicals in their products, thereby improving their competitiveness.

Impact of REACH
REACH has far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers both inside and outside the European Union. Chemical manufacturers will have to undergo detailed registration and risk assessments and, where necessary, obtain authorisation to manufacture and sell their products. This will require increased regulatory oversight and resource allocation, but will also ensure greater chemical safety.

The above information, compiled by Synctronics, is for reference only. For the latest information, please refer to the official EU REACH website for more details.