What is the Origin of REACH Regulation?

The REACH regulation was established by the European Parliament and Council in 2006, creating a unified and more rigorous system that replaced a complex set of older European directives. Its origin signifies a major policy shift, placing the primary responsibility for demonstrating chemical safety onto companies that manufacture or import them. Due to the interconnectedness of global supply chains, its standards are often adopted internationally.

What is the Mechanism of REACH Regulation?

The core mechanism requires companies to submit extensive data on the properties and safe uses of their chemicals for the Registration phase. The Evaluation phase involves expert review of testing proposals and substance dossiers. Authorisation is a requirement for substances of very high concern, ensuring their use is properly controlled. Finally, Restriction limits or bans the use of substances that pose unacceptable risks, ensuring the chemical environment is safer for both workers and consumers.

REACH Regulation

Meaning

REACH Regulation is the acronym for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals, representing a comprehensive and stringent European Union regulation governing the manufacture, use, and safe handling of chemical substances. Its core objective is to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals throughout their lifecycle. Although focused on industrial chemicals, its high standards significantly influence the quality and safety requirements for precursor materials used in pharmaceutical and peptide synthesis globally.