How does REACH Works

The REACH legislation is by far the largest legislative project adopted by the EU in recent years. It replaces 40 legislative texts and creates a single EU-wide system for the management of chemicals produced in Europe or imported into Europe. 

Before REACH, there was a general lack of knowledge regarding 99% of the chemicals (around 100000 substances) that were placed on the market before 1981. Prior to that date, no stringent health and safety tests were needed to market chemicals. 

REACH is based on the idea that industry itself is best placed to ensure that the chemicals put on the market in the EU do not adversely affect human health or the environment. This requires that industry has certain knowledge of the properties of its substances and manages potential risks. REACH creates a single system for both existing and new substances substances are now described as non-phase-in substances (i.e., those not produced or marketed prior to the entry into force of REACH) and phase-in substances. Its basic elements are described below  

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Why did the EU embark on a major revision of its chemicals policy How does REACH work - in a nutshell What are the costs and benefits of REACH How have the interests and concerns ofnon-EU players been taken into account ... 

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