Consultation on the Enforcement of REACH in the UK
This consultation is being carried out by Defra together with the devolved administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Views are sought on proposals for the UK enforcement of the new EU Regulation on chemicals – REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals).
The European Union has recently adopted a new system to control the risks which chemicals may pose to human health and the environment. The REACH Regulation will form the EU’s framework legislation for the management, control and use of chemicals, replacing much of the current patchwork of over 40 separate pieces of legislation over a phase-in period. REACH will be introduced progressively, from June 2007 to 2018.
In summary, manufacturers, importers, distributors and professional users who market or use chemicals must ensure those chemicals are registered with the new European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki, which will oversee the operation of REACH throughout the EU. Before a chemical can be registered, the applicant must provide information about the characteristics and hazards, if any, associated with that chemical.
The Regulation also requires information about the risks associated with chemicals to be set out and provided to users in ‘safety data sheets’. Those chemicals which pose a serious hazard may be banned (i.e. “restricted”), or may be used only following the grant of a specific “authorisation”.
REACH will therefore apply not only to chemical manufacturers or suppliers, but to any business which uses chemicals – so a wide range of businesses will need to take account of REACH and may be affected by the enforcement arrangements proposed in this consultation document.
The closing date for comments on this consultation is 4 June 2007. For further information, visit: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/reach-enforce/index.htm
Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 03/04/07)