Being compliant with REACh
In the world of the chemical industry, it is essential to comply with regulations and standards that relate to the safety of chemical substances and products. One of the most prominent and comprehensive regulations in this area in the European Union is REACh. This is actuallynothing more or less than a European accepted way of looking at substances and how best to use them. In this article, we will discuss what REACh actually means and its importance.
More than half a century ago, national governments became active in researching chemistry and how to use chemistry safely. In Europe, each country came up with its own results, leading to a variety of insights. This made the use and trade of chemistry very difficult. It sometimes took decades for countries to reach agreed results on a single substance. This had to change and the industry became responsible. In just a few years, this allowed hundreds of chemical substances to be used and traded safely. To further standardise, REACh came along.
What is REACh?
REACh stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals. It is a regulation of the European Union that was established to better protect human health and the environment from the hazards of chemical substances. The regulation came into force on 1 June 2007. Chemical substances are not only used in industrial processes, but they are also present in everyday products such as cleaning products, paint, clothing, furniture, and electrical appliances. As a result, the regulation has implications for many businesses in the EU.
How does REACh work?
The REACh regulation establishes procedures for collecting and assessing information on the properties and hazards of substances.
Registration of chemicals sustances
The first and perhaps most crucial aspect of REACh is the registration of chemicals substances. Under REACh, manufacturers and importers of chemical substances s in the EU must register with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This process involves providing detailed informationabout the properties of the substances, safe use conditions, and assessing the risks to human healthand the environment.
This means that chemical manufacturers are obliged to thoroughly research the properties of their products and ensure that they can be used safely in accordance with the applicable standards.
Evaluation and Authorisation of hazardous substances
REACh also provides for the evaluation and authorisation of hazardous substances. If a substance is considered to be hazardous, it can only be used if it is authorised by ECHA. This process is intented to restrict the use of highly hazardous substances and promote alternatives. Chemical manufacturers therefore need to closely monitor which substances are being evaluated and authorised, and consider whether they can use alternative, safer substances in their products.
Restrictions on the use of hazardous substances
REACh may also lead to restrictions on the use of certain chemicals if there are serious concerns about risks to human health or the environment. This means that chemical manufacturers may have to adjust their production processes or find alternatives to restricted substances.
The importance of REACh
REACh is essential for chemical manufacturers for a number of reasons:
- Access to the European market
To sell chemical products in the EU, manufacturers must comply with REACh. Failure to comply with REACh can lead to market restrictions. - Safety and Environmental Protection
REACh aims to ensure the safety of chemica substances and protect the environment. This is in line with manufacturers’ responsibilities for product safety and environmental protection. - Customer trust
Compliance with REACh shows that a manufacturer is committed to consumer health and safety and the environment, which can increase customer trust. - Encouraging innovation
REACh encourages manufacturers to develop alternative, safer substances, which can lead to innovation and competitive advantage.
Knowledge of REACh
REACh is a complex but essential regulation for chemical manufacturers in the EU. ” REACh is not always your perfect partner”. Speaking is Harmen Scholten, REACh & Food Specialist at Synerlogic. Together with a team of seven specialists, he represents Synerlogic’s SHEQ discipline. “When REACh was introduced, everyone had to submit dossiers to be assessed by ECHA. Due to the volume, this took a lot of time, so a lot of data was not always reliable. Now a huge step has been taken in data reliability. We are in regular dialogue with our partners, industry associations, governments and ECHA to continuously improve the process.” The world of REACh continues to evolve, think for instance of microplastics and endocrine disruptors. It is important to follow that closely. Europe does not always have the capacity to enforce REACh, which is why it remains vigilant to be in compliance with REACh. Working with Synerlogic means taking advantage of the expertise and the certainty of complying with REACh standards and guidelines.”
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