Europe's flagship legislation on chemical safety finally came into force on 1 June 2007 after over four years in development. EC Regulation 1907/2006, on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) places new obligations on any company producing, importing, using or marketing a chemical substance, preparation or article in the EU. REACH aims to make such businesses responsible for understanding and managing the risks associated with the chemicals, and places an obligation on them to carry out risk assessments, a requirement which previously lay with the Government. The long-term goal is to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment, as well as improving industry competitiveness and innovation.
Although REACH is now in force, the first major milestone for affected businesses is 1 June 2008 - which is the beginning of a six-month window when chemical manufacturers can pre-register their products, place them in an inventory and identify where in the supply chain they come from. Gary Dougherty, REACH adviser from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said, "At this stage, the big changes for businesses are to adapt the existing safety data sheets and to identify their obligations early on so that they can prepare themselves for the full effect of the legislation next year. The obligations under the Regulation are different for manufacturers and end users."
A helpline has been set up by the HSE, the UK competent authority for REACH. They can be contacted on 0845 4089575, or via ukreach@hse.gsi.gov.uk.
