EU legislation: Chemicals REACH

REACH is the EU chemical legislation that came into force in June 2007. In several phases, REACH establishes a new system for existing and new substances and sets requirements for manufacturers in the EU and EU importers of chemicals and products containing chemicals.

Are your products involved?
REACH can be relevant for exporters of chemical substances as such (e.g. (ingredients for) paints or cosmetics). It may also be relevant for producers of articles, because REACH sets restrictions on the use of dangerous substance or substances that may be released from the articles (e.g. office and school supplies, textiles or electronic components). Certain product groups, such as food ingredients or pharmaceuticals, are exempted from REACH. The possible obligations under REACH for some products (e.g. pigments that can be used in food and non-food products) may depend on the eventual use.

Reading instructions
Because REACH is such a complex matter, this document is made up of two sections and two annexes:

• Section 1 gives a brief introduction to the legislation and gives you an idea if REACH may be relevant to you.
• Section 2 provides a more in-depth description of the requirements set by REACH and the possible involvement of you, as an exporter from outside the EU.
• Annex I gives more technical information on the topics discussed in Section 2.

Annex II provides information on useful external sources.