REACH

Reform of the EU's Chemicals Legislation

REACH in a nutshell

On 1 June 2007, the EU's new chemicals regulation REACH came into force and fundamentally changed European legislation in this sector. In line with this regulation, chemicals must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) within certain deadlines. After expiry of the registration deadlines, unregistered chemicals and preparations including such substances will be prohibited in the EU. In addition to chemicals producers, importers and downstream users of chemicals and chemical preparations are also directly affected for the first time.

The principle of REACH "No data, no market" may seem alarming. By choosing TÜV SÜD as your strong partner, you are sure to be on the safe side. We provide expert and reliable consulting services and assist you with all necessary measures.

The new regulation is extremely complex and includes a host of exemptions and special provisions. Additionally, the resources promised by the EU to expedite REACH implementation are not yet available. TÜV SÜD continuously monitors the development and provision of the announced resources and the practical application of REACH in the EU. From our monitoring activities we derive recommendations for action targeted at completing the required activities within the stipulated deadlines and avoiding unnecessary activities.

Currently, our experts recommend companies to restrict themselves to mandatory activities set forth in REACH.

This refers first and foremost to pre-registration. Chemicals subject to registration must be pre-registered with the new European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) between 1 June 2008 and 30 November 2008. Pre-registration is essential to gain full benefits of the transitional periods applicable to the continued use of chemicals and chemical preparations. Without pre-registration, chemicals may only be used again following registration, which, in certain cases, may take until 2018. Three aspects are particularly significant in this context:

• The ECHA must not charge any fees for pre-registration.
• Pre-registration involves no obligation for actual registration.
• Only limited information is required for pre-registration.

Affected companies must be aware of their obligations under REACH by 1 June 2008. Since this necessitates a highly intense exchange of information along the supply chain, the necessary activities must be commenced without delay.

TÜV SÜD supports you in all steps of REACH implementation

Business impact assessment marks the first step. TÜV SÜD experts map out the measures necessary to avoid interruptions of business activities. Since we are experienced in handling sensitive data, we help you maintain your trade secrets and still comply with the mandatory data sharing provisions set forth in REACH.