REACH | Regulation n. 1907/2006
REACH is the European Union's Regulation n. 1907/2006 established to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks of chemical substances, while stimulating the competitiveness of the European chemical industry. The Regulation also supports alternative methods for assessing the hazards of substances in order to reduce the number of tests carried out on animals.(source: http://echa.europa.eu/it/regulations/reach).
All chemicals produced in or imported into the EU, in the range of 1 to 100 tones, must be registered at the European Chemicals Agency as of 31 May 2018.
Registration is a process that can require considerable resources in terms of time, cost and expertise. In this context, it is important that companies start checking for REACH obligations now and, if necessary, plan the management of their registrations for the final deadline. REACH is not only an obligation; it can also be of benefit to businesses.
It is, indeed, a tool for making the use of certain products safe for both workers and consumers. Proper management of chemicals allows companies to save on safety costs, improve their image in terms of sustainability, to innovate products, processes and access new markets.
In order to support the companies concerned, the Ministry of Economic Development has set up a dedicated information desk, the REACH helpdesk. Since 2007, the helpdesk has answered more than 3,000 questions, organised in-depth initiatives with companies and represented their requests at national and European level.
ECHA coordinates the collection of data at European level in close collaboration with the European Commission and is committed in turn to providing assistance.
Companies can register free of charge on the ECHA website.
REACH is defined as the "Chemical Regulation" and not as the "Chemical Companies Regulation" because it affects several product sectors that use chemicals, including:
- textile and clothing
- leather
- wood and furniture
- paper and printing
- rubber and plastic
- metals and related products
- electronic equipment
- electronic systems and consumer electronics.
REACH also concerns those who have commercial activities, such as importers of chemicals, mixtures or articles and also involves producers and importers of chemicals or mixtures used in sectors excluded from the scope of the Regulation itself.
REACH proposes a new management of chemicals: from the collection of information on the intrinsic properties of chemicals to the identification of appropriate risk management measures.
REACH requires a pro-active role and impacts on technical, commercial and legal aspects in the company.
Parties Involved
REACH covers all subjects that produce / manufacture, import, use, supply not only chemicals (substances, mixtures), but also products involved in other types of industrial activities, such as, cleaning products, paints, cosmetics, candles, as well as items such as clothing, furniture, toys, children's items, electrical equipment, etc.
Companies that are not responsible for the first placing of products on the European market (e.g. distributors, end users, etc.) also have a role regarding REACH.
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