European REACH Legislation

Experien Health Sciences is uniquely qualified to help chemical manufacturers and downstream users comply with European REACH legislation. We have technically qualified, experienced personnel on both sides of the Atlantic with the expertise to help you:

• Develop registration dossiers for your substances and products
• Work on your behalf through and beyond the authorisation process

Because REACH applies to existing substances as well as new substances, and because it places the burden on manufacturers, importers and users to demonstrate that products do not adversely affect human health or the environment, this is something you can’t afford to get wrong. Remember: no registration, no market.

REACH is a European Regulation and is an acronym for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. The overall aims of REACH are to:

• Provide a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the use of chemicals
• Allow free movement of substances on the EU market
• Enhance innovation and the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry
• Reduce animal testing by promoting the use of alternative methods of assessing chemicals

REACH entered into force on 1^st June 2007 and replaced a large number of European Directives and Regulations in a single system

Scope and exemptions

REACH has a very wide scope as it applies to all chemical substances that are manufactured, imported, placed on the market or used within the European Community, either on their own, in mixtures or in articles with intended release.

Some substances are exempted from the overall scope of REACH, while others are exempted from certain parts of the Regulation. Complete exemptions include:

• Radioactive substances
• Those under customs supervision
• Non-isolated intermediates
• Transport of substances
• Waste

Other substances can be exempted from certain aspects of REACH provided they are regulated under other existing EU legislation, examples include:

• Medicinal products for human or veterinary use
• Food or feeding stuffs
• Plant protection products and biocides

Substances listed in Annexes IV and V of REACH are exempt from registration.