REACH & GHS

REACH is the new Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It entered into force on 1st June 2007. It streamlines and improves the former legislative framework on chemicals of the European Union (EU).

The main aims of REACH are to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the promotion of alternative test methods, the free circulation of substances on the internal market and enhancing competitiveness and innovation.

REACH makes industry responsible for assessing and managing the risks posed by chemicals and providing appropriate safety information to their users. In parallel, the European Union can take additional measures on highly dangerous substances, where there is a need for complementing action at EU level.

>> more on REACH

The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a United Nations system to identify hazardous chemicals and to inform users about these hazards through standard symbols and phrases on the packaging labels and through safety data sheets (SDS). On 3 September 2008 a large majority of the European Parliament supported the "compromise package" for a new Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) which seeks to align existing EU legislation to the GHS.

Formal adoption of the CLP Regulation is foreseen by the end of 2008. After entry into force, the deadline for substance classification according to the new rules will be 1 December 2010 and for mixtures 1 June 2015. The CLP Regulation will ultimatley replace the current rules on classification, labelling and packaging of substances (Directive 67/548/EEC) and preparations (Directive 1999/45/EC) after a transitional period.

>> more on GHS