REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)
A comprehensive European Union regulation (EC No 1907/2006) enacted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemical substances, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry. It applies to all chemical substances manufactured, imported, or used within the EU, including those found in industrial processes, household cleaning products, apparel, and electronic hardware.
Registration: Requires manufacturers and importers to submit a technical dossier detailing the hazards and risks of any chemical substance produced or imported into the EU in quantities of one tonne or more per year.
Evaluation: Executed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and member states to examine the quality of registration dossiers and clarify risks to human health or the environment.
Authorisation: Requires companies to obtain specific permission to use Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) on the ECHA "Candidate List," driving the industry to progressively substitute them with safer alternatives.
Restriction: A safety net mechanism capable of imposing conditions on, or completely banning, the manufacture, import, marketing, or use of specific dangerous substances.