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REACH
The proposed Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (the REACH proposal) is edging towards formal adoption. Now is the moment for affected companies to start preparing the ground to ensure compliance when the new rules come into force.
The REACH proposal, adopted by the European Commission in October 2003, envisages the creation of an integrated system for the registration, valuation and authorisation of all chemicals used in the European Union, and a shifting of the burden of proof regarding the safety of chemicals from public authorities to industry. It has been the focus of intense lobbying by industry, which has resulted in a number of important amendments aimed at reducing the REACH burden on business. Formal adoption of the REACH proposal is expected by spring 2007 and the new rules are likely to come into effect in the spring of 2008.
Undoubtedly, the new regime will translate into an immense information-gathering exercise for all concerned. The European Commission expects that approximately 30,000 chemicals will need to be registered and over 140,000 technical reports will be prepared in the first years of the regulation. The information, research, testing and analysis needed to complete this process will have to be provided by industry.
The REACH proposal will establish the European Chemical Agency (ECA) which will be headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. The ECA will manage the technical, scientific and administrative aspects of the REACH proposal. In addition, competent national authorities will play a role in carrying out tests on chemical substances, and the European Commission will have executive powers to authorise and restrict substances as explained below.
For more information about REACH, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or read our related publications:
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