REACH in brief
REACH is a Regulation designed to manage and control the potential hazards and risks to human health and the environment from the manufacture, import and use of chemicals within the EU while also enhancing the competitiveness of European industry by fostering innovation. REACH is an acronym for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. The following web-pages give you information on the various elements of REACH in short paragraphs (in brief) However, if a user requires further more technical information on a subject they may choose the in detail option:
In detail
REACH Scope & Exemptions in brief
REACH has a very wide scope as it applies to all chemical substances that are manufactured, imported, placed on the market or used within the European Community, either on their own, in mixtures or in articles with intended release. Some substances are exempted from the overall scope of REACH while others are exempted from certain parts of the Regulation.
Substances that are defined under other EU legislation as radioactive, under customs supervision, non-isolated intermediates, in transit, waste or in the interest of defence do not fall within the scope or REACH.
Other substances can be exempted from certain aspects of REACH provided they are regulated under other existing EU legislation, examples include: medicinal products for human or veterinary use and food or feeding stuffs, plant protection products & biocides; polymers, certain natural substances.
Substances listed in Annexes IV and V of REACH have specific exemptions from the requirement to register under REACH.
Did you know? Substances listed on Annexes IV and V of REACH are not required to be registered.
In detail
Health and Safety Authority & REACH
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the lead Competent and Enforcement Authority for REACH in Ireland and as such is responsible for both the implementation of REACH and its enforcement. The Authority has a helpdesk that assists industry in fulfilling its obligations under REACH, companies can submit questions confidentially by calling 1890 289 389 or by emailing chemicals@hsa.ie
European Chemicals Agency & REACH
The European Chemicals Agency ( ECHA) is the body responsible for the administration of REACH in the EU. It manages the submission of data in the form of dossiers from industry and provides guidance and assistance to industry through its website and helpdesk. ECHA helps companies to comply with the legislation, advances the safe use of chemicals, provides information on chemicals and addresses chemicals of concern.
Further information on the Agency, its work and the information is available at www.echa.eu