Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

On 18 December 2006, the European Community has adopted Regulation n°EC/2006/1907 on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The aim of REACH is to improve the protection of human health and of the environment through the better and earlier identification of the properties of chemical substances. At the same time, innovative capability and competitiveness of the EU, and partners, chemicals industry should be enhanced.

REACH applies to all chemicals imported or produced in the EU. 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.

REACH Regulation lays new obligations on the industry and defines a new approach to chemicals control. Since REACH is fully in force (1st June 2007), it is required to all companies manufacturing or importing chemical substances into the European Union in quantities of one tonne or more per year to register these substances with the above mentioned European Chemicals Agency.

 • Pre-registration and registration

According to REACH obligations, the Egyptian companies which are exporting chemical substances to the EU in quantities above one tonne per year must pre-register their chemicals by December 1, 2008. Otherwise their export of chemicals will not be allowed to enter the EU countries.

Pre-registration ensures that industry can benefit from staggered deadlines for registration and that the placing on the market and the use of chemicals can continue without interruptions, whilst industry prepares their registrations.
It is important to note that third country producers cannot themselves pre-register or register. This can only be done by EU-based importers and manufacturers, or by "only representatives" appointed by the third country producers.

 • Authorisation

Authorisation relates to the procedure whereby substances that are deemed to cause very high concern will need to be expressly authorised before they can be manufactured or imported into the EU, and would even need to be progressively replaced, where they are found to cause unacceptable risks to human health and the environment.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

The European Chemicals Agency, (http://www.echa.europa.eu/reach_en.asp), located in Helsinki, Finland, will manage the technical, scientific and administrative aspects of the REACH system.
To support companies in registering substances, the Agency and Member States in evaluating dossiers and to help public in accessing information on chemicals, the European Commission has developed an online software tool: REACH-IT (https://reach-it.echa.europa.eu/reach/public/welcome.faces)

REACH Helpdesks

Helpdesks are created there to assist companies in understanding their roles and duties under REACH. The official REACH helpdesk services are provided by every Member State in the European Union. In addition, the ECHA helpdesk will provide support to all companies registering substances.

•  List of national helpdesks available on internet

For more information:

• REACH brochure for Non-EU exporters

Other links to REACH:

REACH website: http://www.echa.europa.eu/reach_en.asp
DG ENTR link: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/reach/index_en.htm
DG ENV link: http://www.ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_intro.htm

Rodrigo Romero van Cutsem
Trade Expert
EC Delegation in Egypt
3.09.2008