Understanding REACH in 3 minutes
When it comes to products, materials, and certifications, you might have come across terms like "REACH Conformity" or "REACH Compliance," which can be confusing for many consumers. So, what exactly is behind this standard, and why does it matter? In just 3 minutes, we'll unravel all the essential details to clear things up!
REACH, an acronym for "Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals", represents a significant European Union regulation implemented in 2007. This comprehensive framework aims to safeguard human health and the environment by effectively managing the risks posed by chemical substances. Simultaneously, REACH fosters economic competitiveness within the EU by encouraging responsible practices in the use and trade of chemicals. 1
REACH applies to a wide range of chemical substances, encompassing not only those utilized in industrial processes but also those commonly found in everyday life. These substances are present in various products, including cleaning agents, paints, clothing materials, furniture and household appliances.
REACH is a comprehensive system designed to ensure the safe handling and assessment of chemical substances in the European Union. The process involves several key steps :
- REACH establishes standardized procedures for gathering and evaluating information on the properties and hazards of chemical substances.
- Companies are required to register substances they manufacture or import, collaborating with other companies across Europe that may be registering the same substances.
- The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) receives and evaluates individual registrations to ensure compliance with legislation and established safety standards.
- In certain cases, EU member states may conduct further evaluations on selected substances to address initial health and environmental concerns.
-
Finally, the competent authorities and scientific committees assess whether the risks of the tested substances can be managed in order to protect consumers and the environment.
The competent authorities can restrict the use of a substance or even go for a strict ban if it is considered extremely dangerous and if the risks associated with its use cannot be controlled. The ultimate goal of REACH is to replace the most harmful substances with safer alternatives, promoting environmental and public health protection.
To comply with the regulation, companies must therefore identify and manage the risks associated with the substances they manufacture and market in the EU, in complete transparency.
At Inovacomm, we adopt a rigorous approach, subjecting our own productions to compliance checks conducted by independent laboratories like SGS, ensuring full transparency in identifying and managing risks associated with our products in the EU. Our commitment is to match current laws and regulations, safeguarding the planet and the well-being of our valued customers.
For more information on our compliance and certifications, please refer to our website, on pages Compliance and Labels & certifications.
Sources: