REACH in brief

REACH requires the registration of approximately 30 000 existing chemical substances over the next 11 years. Manufacturers and importers must generate data for all chemical substances produced or imported into the European Union (in quantities of more than 1 tonne a year). The registrants must also identify appropriate risk management measures and communicate them to the users.

REACH is a radical step forward in the EU chemicals management. The onus will move from the authorities to industry.

In addition, REACH will allow the further evaluation of substances where there are grounds for concern and foresees an authorisation system for the use of substances of very high concern. This applies to substances that cause cancer, infertility, genetic mutations or birth defects, and to those which are persistent and accumulate in the environment.

The Authorisation system will require companies to switch progressively to safer alternatives where a suitable alternative exists. All applications for an authorisation need to include an analysis of alternatives and a substitution plan where a suitable alternative exists. Current use restrictions will remain under REACH system.

REACH also ensures that animal testing is kept to the strict minimum and that alternative methods are encouraged.