REACH is a major reform of EU chemicals policy and will affect all global supply chains that produce and use chemicals.  It is important that all manufacturers, importers and downstream users of chemicals are prepared, and fully aware of the impact this new legislation will have on their business.  U.S. exporters to Europe should carefully consider this proposed piece of EU environmental legislation.  REACH was adopted in December 2006 and entered into force June 2007 in the 27 member states of the EU. 

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for implementing this European Regulation in the UK.   In October 2006, Defra nominated the Health and Safety Executive to be the UK Competent Authority for REACH, working closely with the Environment Agency, and other partners to manage certain key aspects of the REACH system in the UK.

Although REACH came into into effect on 1 June 2007, the first major milestone for business is 1 June 2008 - the beginning of a six month window when chemical manufacturers can pre-register their products - a very simple process that can be done online at http://echa.europa.eu/pre-registration_en.asp.  If companies miss the window they will have to go through the much more involved, and costly, registration process straightaway.

A helpline has been set up by the UK Competent Authority for REACH.  Businesses can obtain advice on how it will affect them and what they need to do to comply.  The helpdesk can be contacted on 0845 4089575 or UKREACHCA@N0SPAM.hse.gsi.gov.uk .

Links:

REACH Presentation (1366KB)  -  At Farnborough International Airshow 2008, a presentation was made by ERA Technology on the EU's environmental regulatory compliance, REACH.  Although focusing on the aviation sector, the presentation provides useful information for all industries. 

www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion/reach.html - The U.S. Commercial Service European Union office’s REACH pages

www.reachready.co.uk - REACHReady is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the UK Chemical Industries Association.

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/reach/ - UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

http://www.hse.gov.uk/chemicals/reach.htm - UK Health and Safety Executive