What is the REACH Regulatory Framework?

Since 2007, the REACH regulations of the European Union (EC No. 1907/2006) has been a set of stipulations and restrictions in regards to chemical regulations.  The acronym REACH signifies:

  • Registration
  • Evaluation
  • Authorisation and Restriction (of)
  • The Chemicals Division

Owners throughout the industry are encouraged to follow this system.  Considering that chemical substances may only be placed on the European markets after they have been assigned their own REACH registration number, the importance becomes obvious.

Consequences of the REACH Regulation

These regulations are is designed to alert middlemen, distributors and the consumers themselves of the presence of any chemicals that may be considered hazardous.  Careful scenarios have likewise been put in place.  For instance, what are the concentrations within specific environments that would subsequently cause hazards to the user?  Additionally, the complete life cycle of the substance is taken into account.  All of this important information is available to the public upon request.

When compared to previous regulations, REACH will enable hazardous substances to be banned from public use much quicker.  Moreover, the use of SVCH (Substances of Very High Concern) can be identified and the appropriate measures thereafter taken.  REACH also fosters greater levels of communication within the supply chain.  Downstream users can provide upstream manufacturers (distributors) with the relevant registration information when it is needed.

All communications between manufacturers, distributors and end users of a product will also be supplied with the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).  Any violations of the REACH regulations in Germany are criminally punishable.

The Scope of Reach

All distributors and producers are subject to these REACH regulations should they process or purchase more than one tonne of a specific substance per year with the intention of its sale within the European Union.  These may either be pure compounds or combined mixtures.  This also includes no-phased-in substances (polymers, radioactive materials and customs-supervised substances) alongside phased-in compounds (in-plant materials, EINECS substances and NLPs).  Certain chemicals that are known to be substantially monitored may be exempt from the REACH regulations under specific circumstances.  Some examples here can include (but may not be limited to):

  • Medical substances
  • Chemicals involved in food and animal feed.
  • Biocides and previously registered plant protection products.
  • The re-exportation of previously registered compounds.
  • Chemicals used within the research industry.
  • Recycled materials from previously registered substances.
  • Naturally occurring and safe compounds.

It should be noted that cosmetics are liable to the aforementioned REACH guidelines.

REACH Pre-Registration

Initially, there was a pre-registration period for REACH regulations.  Thus, manufacturers and importers were able to obtain transitional "windows" before such stipulations would be put into effect.  These results can be viewed in the SEIF (Substance Information Exchange Forum) portal.  Some important metrics to be observed are:

  • Substance identification in addition to the chemical and EINECS number.
  • The manufacturer or importer.
  • Registration deadlines.
  • Other important and recognisable analogies for the names of the compound.

Through REACH, the European Union is further protected from substances that may have otherwise been imported from outside of the region.  These may not have been previously or sufficiently identified as dangerous in accordance with EU laws and regulations. jubelis® will obviously adhere to these important guidelines at all times.