What is REACH?
In chemical manufacturing, safety and environmental protection are vital. One of the most important regulations that ensures this is REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals. Implemented under Regulation (EC) 1907/2006, the objective of REACH is to safeguard human health and the environment from potential risks posed by chemicals.
What is REACH?
REACH is an extensive set of regulations that apply to all chemical substances manufactured, imported, or used within the EU. This includes chemicals found in everyday products such as cleaning agents, paints and textiles. The regulation was introduced to address the shortcomings of previous chemical legislation and to create a unified system for managing chemicals safety.
In the UK, a separate but similar regulatory framework called UK REACH has been established. UK REACH mirrors the EU REACH regulation, ensuring that chemicals produced or imported into the UK are also subject to stringent safety and environmental standards. While both frameworks operate independently, they both work towards ensuring companies who place chemicals on the market are responsible for understanding and managing risks associated with the chemicals.
Key Components of REACH
- Registration: Companies that manufacture or import chemicals in quantities of one tonne or more per year are required to register them with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The registration process involves providing detailed information about the chemical's properties, uses, and potential risks.
- Evaluation: Once registered, the submitted data undergoes evaluation by ECHA. This step ensures that the information is complete and accurate. If necessary, ECHA may request additional tests or data to better understand the chemical's effects.
- Authorisation: Certain hazardous chemicals are subject to authorisation. This means that they can only be used for specific purposes if authorised by ECHA. The goal is to gradually phase out substances of very high concern (SVHC) and promote the use of safer alternatives.
- Restriction: REACH also imposes restrictions on the use of certain chemicals. These restrictions can apply to the substance itself or to specific uses and are aimed at mitigating risks to human health and the environment.
Vickers’ Commitment to REACH Compliance
At Vickers, we are dedicated to ensuring that our products and operations align with both EU REACH and UK REACH regulations. Through our proactive approach and dedication to REACH compliance, Vickers not only ensures the safety and well-being of our customers and the environment but also strengthens our reputation as a responsible and trustworthy chemical manufacturer.
