REACH

1、 Core purpose
Protect human health and environmental safety, and manage the risks of chemical substances throughout their entire lifecycle (production, transportation, use, disposal).
Standardize the circulation order of chemicals in the EU market, avoid trade barriers, and enhance the innovation capability of the EU chemical industry.
2、 Scope of application
Substance: Natural or synthetic chemical elements, compounds (such as metals, solvents, dyes, etc.).
Accessory: A product made by mixing two or more substances (such as coatings, cleaning agents, adhesives, etc.).
Article: A product that is given a specific shape, appearance, or design during the production process and releases chemicals during use (such as electronic appliances, toys, furniture, etc.).
Covering all enterprises within the EU that produce, import, sell, and use chemicals, including non EU enterprises exporting related products to the EU.
3、 The four core links
Registration is the most essential requirement of the REACH regulation. For chemical substances with an annual production or import volume of ≥ 1 ton, companies need to export to European Chemicals
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submits a registration file containing information on the physical and chemical properties, toxicological data, ecotoxicological data, and safe use guidelines of the substance.
The registration obligation is borne by manufacturers or importers within the European Union; Non EU companies are required to designate a sole representative (OR) within the EU to complete registration.
Evaluation is conducted by the competent authorities of EU member states and ECHA on the registration data submitted by enterprises, verifying the completeness and reliability of the data, and making judgments
Whether there are potential risks associated with the substance, if necessary, companies will be required to supplement testing data.
Authorization for substances of high concern (SVHC) that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxic (CMR) or persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic
For substances with characteristics such as PBT, companies need to apply for authorization from ECHA in order to continue production, import, or use. Authorization application needs to prove that the risk of the substance has been adequately addressed
Partial control, or its socio-economic benefits outweigh the risks, and there are no safer alternatives.
Restriction: For chemical substances with serious risks, the EU will use restriction clauses to specify the conditions for their production, use, or release in the EU market,
Even completely prohibited. For example, limiting the content of certain heavy metals in electronic appliances and restricting the use of certain flame retardants in furniture.
4、 Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)
This is the most commonly encountered content by enterprises in the REACH regulation. ECHA will regularly update the SVHC candidate list, and once a substance is included in the list, companies need to fulfill corresponding obligations:
If the SVHC content in the item is greater than 0.1% (by weight) and the annual production/import volume is ≥ 1 ton, it is necessary to report to ECHA.
Provide safe usage information to the recipient of the item (such as downstream customers, consumers); Consumers are required to provide relevant information free of charge within 45 days when making inquiries.
5、 Compliance significance
Essential conditions for EU market access: Chemicals, preparations, and items that do not comply with REACH requirements will be prohibited from entering the EU market.
Reduce supply chain risks: Promote upstream and downstream enterprises to establish a sound chemical safety management system and clarify the responsibilities of each link.
Enhancing corporate credibility: reflecting the company's social responsibility for environmental protection and health, and enhancing the competitiveness of products in the international market.