How does REACH affect product compliance?

Dutch term: REACH | Legal basis: Regulation (EC) 1907/2006

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, Regulation (EC) 1907/2006) is the EU regulation governing the use of chemical substances. It applies to substances manufactured in or imported into the EU in quantities of one tonne or more per year, and to articles (products) containing substances of very high concern (SVHCs) above 0.1% weight by weight.

For product manufacturers and importers, REACH creates two main obligations: (1) registration of substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) before they can be manufactured or imported, and (2) communication of SVHC content to downstream users and, on request, to consumers. Certain substances require authorisation for continued use, and specific uses can be restricted under Annex XVII.

Why it matters for international businesses

REACH compliance is a supply chain obligation: manufacturers need substance information from their suppliers, and importers bear the registration obligation for non-EU substances. Contractual allocation of REACH responsibilities between supply chain partners is essential.