Business NewsJune 2007REACH What is REACH?REACH is a new European Community regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals. It came into force on 1st June 2007 and replaces a patchwork of European Directives and Regulations with a single system. REACH has several aims: - To provide a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the use of chemicals.
- To allow the free movement of substances on the EU market.
- To make the people who place chemicals on the market (manufacturers and importers) responsible for understanding and managing the risks associated with their use.
- To promote the use of alternative methods for the assessment of the hazardous properties of substances.
- To enhance innovation in and the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.
Key issues- You should work out what your REACH responsibilities are as soon as possible.
- You should make an inventory of chemical substances that your business makes and uses.
- You should contact your suppliers to make sure they are aware of your interests.
- Pre-registration is very important – by pre-registering you can delay your full registration for up to 11 years, depending on the quantities and types of chemical substances you deal with.
- The Health and Safety Executive is the competent authority for REACH in the UK and will run a helpdesk providing advice on REACH.
Access the REACH website for comprehensive information. Links Health & Safety Executive - REACH
Posted: 13/06/07 | 
