About Reach:

REACH is a new European Union  law on chemicals and their safe use.
REACH is the new Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. It entered into force on 1st June 2007. It streamlines and improves the former legislative framework on chemicals of the European Union (EU).

The main aims of REACH are to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the promotion of alternative test methods, the free circulation of substances on the internal market and enhancing competitiveness and innovation.

REACH makes industry responsible for assessing and managing the risks posed by chemicals and providing appropriate safety information to their users. In parallel, the European Union can take additional measures on highly dangerous substances, where there is a need for complementing action at EU level.

REACH replaces numerous EU laws related to chemicals and is complementary to other environmental and safety legislation but it will not replace sector specific legislation (for example on cosmetics or detergents).Restrictions on marketing and use of chemicals will remain in place and be transferred to REACH.