REACH Explained: Regulations, Authorisation and Restrictions

REACH Regulations

Core Principles
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) has been the main EU regulation governing chemicals since 2007.

The responsibility lies with industry: companies must assess, document, and communicate the risks of their chemicals. The burden of proof for safe use is placed on the companies themselves.

REACH applies to all sectors that manufacture, import, or use chemical substances, not only the chemical industry, but also everyday products such as cleaning agents, paints, textiles, furniture, and electrical equipment. As a result, REACH affects the vast majority of companies within the EU.

Main Objectives

Protect human health and the environment.
Promote alternative testing methods to reduce animal testing.
Ensure the free circulation of safe substances within the EU.
Encourage innovation and competitiveness in the European chemical industry.
Gradually replace hazardous substances with safer alternatives whenever technically and economically feasible.

Key Processes under REACH

Registration: Manufacturers and importers of substances exceeding one tonne per year must submit data to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Companies registering the same substance must cooperate and jointly submit their information.
Evaluation: ECHA and the Member States assess the submitted data to determine whether a substance poses risks to human health or the environment.
Authorisation: Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs, listed in Annex XIV) may only be used for specific applications that have been authorised.
Restriction: Substances posing unacceptable risks may be restricted or banned (Annex XVII).

Responsibilities
The primary responsibility lies with industry. REACH affects a wide range of businesses — even those not directly involved in the chemical sector.

Manufacturers: If they produce chemicals for their own use or for sale, they have major responsibilities under REACH.
Importers: Companies importing substances, mixtures, or articles from outside the EU must also comply.
Downstream users: Most companies use chemicals in some form and must check their obligations under REACH if they handle chemical substances professionally.
Companies outside the EU: They are not directly bound by REACH, but their EU importers — or an appointed Only Representative — are responsible for compliance and registration.

Implementation and Oversight
REACH is enforced by national authorities and coordinated by ECHA and the European Commission. The Commission adopts implementing acts and supervises authorisation and restriction procedures.

ECHA manages the central registration database, evaluates submitted information, and maintains a public database providing hazard information for consumers and professionals.

Why It Matters
A solid understanding and proper implementation of REACH ensures market access, legal compliance, and product safety. It also promotes sustainability, transparency, and trust across the entire supply chain.

Authorisation under REACH – Summary

Purpose of Authorisation

The authorisation process under REACH ensures that Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are progressively replaced by less hazardous substances or technologies whenever feasible from both a technical and economic standpoint.

Industry Responsibility

Manufacturers and importers must identify and document the risks of their substances and take appropriate risk management measures. Substances produced or imported in quantities above one tonne per year per company must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Evaluation by ECHA

ECHA and the EU Member States evaluate the submitted information to determine whether a substance poses risks to human health or the environment. SVHCs may only be placed on the market or used for specifically authorised purposes.

Restrictions

In addition to authorisation, REACH includes a restriction process: substances that pose unacceptable risks may be limited or banned altogether.

Consumer Right to Know

Under Article 33 of REACH, consumers have the right to know whether products contain SVHCs. Companies must respond to such inquiries within 45 days.

Nanomaterials

Specific provisions apply to nanomaterials, detailed in the technical annexes of the REACH Regulation including requirements for safety data sheets to ensure their safe use.

REACH – Restrictions

Purpose of Restrictions

Restrictions aim to protect human health and the environment from unacceptable risks posed by chemicals. They can limit or prohibit the manufacture, placing on the market, or use of certain substances. Restrictions apply to substances on their own, in mixtures, or in articles, even if they are not subject to registration.

Procedure for Adopting Restrictions

EU Member States or ECHA, on behalf of the European Commission, may propose restrictions when risks are not adequately controlled. Proposals are subject to public consultation, and the Commission makes the final decision following opinions from ECHA’s Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) Committees. Restrictions are listed in Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation.

Simplified Procedure (Article 68(2))

For carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction substances (CMRs, categories 1A and 1B), a simplified procedure applies. Examples include:

PAHs in rubber and plastic
CMRs in textiles, clothing, and footwear

Provisional Measures (Article 129)

EU countries may introduce immediate national restrictions in urgent cases, which must be reviewed by the European Commission within 60 days.

Specific Substance Groups

PFAS: Highly persistent chemicals whose use is restricted in consumer textiles, food packaging, and certain sprays.
Microplastics: As of 17 October 2023, the intentional addition of microplastics to products such as cosmetics, detergents, or toys is prohibited.
PAHs in clay targets: Limitation of PAH concentration as of 22 April 2026.
Phthalates: Restriction of DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP in plastic articles above 0.1% by weight.
Asbestos: Ban on the use of asbestos fibres, with transitional provisions for products already installed.
Nickel and skin sensitisers: Specific restrictions and monitoring standards to minimise allergy risks.

Consumer Considerations

Restrictions ensure that consumers are protected from hazardous substances in everyday products. Information and transparency are essential parts of REACH, for example through product labelling and the public ECHA database.