REACH Regulation

The REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 stands for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. It came into force on July 1, 2007 and protects human health and the environment from potential risks posed by chemicals.

Definition of REACH
The REACH regulation is a European regulation for the comprehensive control of chemicals that are placed on the market in the EU and the EEA. It stipulates that chemicals may only be marketed after registration with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and provides for risk reduction measures, particularly for hazardous substances.

Background / Origin
The REACH Regulation was introduced to establish more effective measures to protect human health and the environment as a result of the use of hazardous chemicals. It applies in all EU Member States and EEA countries. The purpose of this regulation focuses on the improvement of risk management and the gradual substitution of substances of very high concern with less hazardous alternatives.

A central element of the REACH regulation is the principle of "no data, no market". This means that chemicals may only be placed on the market once they have been registered. This regulation affects both manufacturers within the EU and importers from non-EU countries. In order to obtain registration, comprehensive information on the composition of the substance, its physical and chemical properties and risk management measures must be submitted.

The substances are monitored by the designated authorities of the EU member states, which work in coordination with the ECHA. The risk-based approach determines which substances are prioritized for evaluation, with hazardous substances applying a higher standard of evaluation due to their specific properties, routes of exposure or quantity.

Properties
The REACH regulation has specific requirements for the registration and evaluation processes of chemicals. The registered substances must contain the following information

- Composition and chemical properties
- Risks to humans and the environment
- Chemical safety reports that include exposure routes and risk management measures

In the case of hazardous substances, additional requirements must be observed. These must be documented in a safety data sheet, which provides the properties and necessary safety measures throughout the entire supply chain.

Application and importance in the market
The REACH Regulation has a significant impact on the chemical industry and its trade. It regulates not only the registration, but also the evaluation and potential authorization of hazardous substances. The regulations promote a greater sense of responsibility among manufacturers and importing companies by ensuring that health and environmental risks are addressed.

The strong focus on alternative substances aims to bring about a long-term change in the market to support more sustainable use of chemicals. These changes can affect various areas, including the industrial use of chemicals and the development of new products.

Differentiation from similar terms
REACH differs from the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008), which focuses on the classification and labeling of chemicals. While REACH focuses on registration and evaluation, the CLP Regulation regulates specific criteria for classifying substances as hazardous. Both regulations complement each other in order to ensure comprehensive protective measures for humans and the environment.

Summary
The REACH Regulation is a central instrument in the EU for regulating chemicals, which came into force on July 1, 2007. It protects health and the environment through comprehensive registration obligations and risk management measures. The correct information on toxicological risks and safety measures is a prerequisite for the marketing of chemicals in the EU. The regulation also promotes the gradual substitution of hazardous substances with less harmful alternatives.