As fiscal year 2015 comes to a close, chemical manufacturers and importers must prepare for a pending deadline. Companies manufacturing or importing chemicals into the European Union, Iceland, Norway, or Liechtenstein in quantities of one ton or more per year; must register those substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Companies have until May 31, 2018 to register existing chemicals under what's known as Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) guidelines.
REACH guidelines were implemented to identify the most hazardous chemicals currently on the European market, control risks associated with their use, and encourage their replacement with safer alternatives. REACH requirements have been phased in over an eight-year period, beginning in 2010, based upon the quantity of substances manufactured or imported.
Registration requirements apply to all chemical substances, including those used in industrial processes, as well as consumer products. This means REACH applies to all solvents, paints, fuels, electronic devices, electrical equipment, appliances, and even clothing. The ETUC has earmarked priority chemicals, or a "substance of very high concern" (SVHC), which must have use-authorization before being imported.
SVHC include:
Companies are responsible for ensuring their products are in compliance, which requires collaboration with upstream suppliers and downstream customers. If the volume of the manufactured or imported chemical is more than 10 tons per year, employers must assess risks for worker and consumer health, as well as environmental impacts.
Chemical manufacturers and importers must:
Many companies must meet compliance regulations for both REACH and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), as created by the United Nations. While both create international regulations for hazardous chemicals, their goals and regulatory agencies are different. The core goal of REACH is the registration of hazardous substances and to improve their regulation and use. The core goal of GHS is the classification and labeling of hazardous substances for the protection of those who work with them.
For REACH training tools and resources, visit the ETUC REACH website. For GHS training tools and resources, receive Duralabel' complimentary GHS Labeling Guide.