The European REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006
finally came into force on 1 June 2007.
By taking simple actions now, companies can avoid the panic when the full effects of the regulation start
to bite next year.
Manufacturers and Importers
If you want to continue, you will need to register your chemicals with the new European Chemicals
Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki and provide a package of technical information on their hazards. This will include the way
your customers use the products. Start talking to them now.
You can, in most cases, take advantage of a phase-in time if you pre-register between 1 June
and 30 November 2008. Start thinking now about the information that you will need.
Review the accuracy of your Safety Data Sheets.
Customers
Many chemicals will disappear from the market because of registration costs, complexity or identified
risks. This could be a threat to your company.
Identify the chemicals that are critical to your business and ask your supplier to confirm
that they will be registered for your uses.
Ask your suppliers if their products contain any hazardous substances.
Communicate with your own customers about their uses.
