REACH, an acronym for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals, is an EU regulation enacted on June 1, 2007. Its primary goal is to safeguard human health and environmental safety from chemical risks, while simultaneously fostering the EU chemicals industry’s competitiveness. REACH encourages alternative testing methods to reduce animal testing and applies broadly, affecting not only industrial chemicals but also substances in everyday items like cleaning agents, paints, and consumer goods.

• Responsibility on Companies: REACH mandates that companies identify and manage risks associated with the substances they manufacture or market within the EU. Businesses must demonstrate safe usage of substances and communicate risk management measures effectively.
• Registration Process: Companies need to register their substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), necessitating collaboration among businesses registering the same substance.
• Evaluation and Authorization: ECHA and member states evaluate substances for health and environmental risks, potentially leading to restrictions or authorization requirements for hazardous substances.
• Impact on Various Sectors: REACH affects a wide array of companies, including manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of chemicals within the EU.
• International Companies: Non-EU companies are not directly subject to REACH obligations; however, EU importers or appointed representatives within the EU bear the responsibility for compliance with registration and other REACH requirements.

Both RoHS and REACH regulations underscore the European Union’s commitment to environmental preservation and public health protection. By adhering to these standards, companies not only comply with legal requirements but also contribute to safer and more sustainable industrial and consumer practices.