REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. The Regulation entered into force on 1st June 2007 to streamline and improve the former legislative framework on chemicals of the European Union (EU). REACH places greater responsibility on industry to manage the risks that chemicals may pose to the health and the environment.
In principle REACH applies to all chemicals: not only chemicals used in industrial processes but also in our day-to-day life, for example in cleaning products, paints as well as in articles such as clothes, furniture and electrical appliances.
- June 2007: Entry into force of REACH
- June 2008: European Chemicals Agency becomes operational
- June 2008 to November 2008: Pre-registration of so-called phase-in substances.
- November 2010: Registration deadline for substance in quantities of 1000tonnes and above as well as carcinogens, mutagens and substances toxic to reproduction (CMR category 1 and 2) above 1tonne per year and substances classified as very toxic to aquatic organisms (R50/53) above 100 tonnes.
- June 2013: Registration deadline for substances in quantities of 100 tonnes and more.
- June 2018: Registration deadline for substances in quantities of 1 tonne and more.
- Voluntary registration prior to the deadline is of course possible. Registration dossier can be submitted as of 1 June 2008.
- New substances need to be registered before they are placed on the market. The registration will start on 1 June 2008.
- Frequently asked questions about REACH
- Introduction to REACH booklet (in Thai)
- REACH in Brief (12/12/06)
