REACH | Environmental Protection Agency

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class="inner__main"> <div class="general-content general-content__standard"><span id="d.en.87551"></span> <h1>REACH</h1> <p>REACH is the Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.  It entered into force on 01 June 2007 to streamline and improve the former legislative framework on chemicals in the EU.</p> <p>REACH switches most responsibility of control and safety of chemicals from authorities, to chemical manufacturers, importers and users and places greater responsibility on industry to manage risks that chemicals may pose to human health and the environment.  REACH also aims to promote alternative methods for the assessment of hazards of substances and eliminate unnecessary testing, especially on animals.</p> <h2>Key elements of REACH</h2> <ul> <li>Registration of substances manufactured or imported in quantities greater than or equal to1 tonne / yr.</li> <li>Evaluation of selected substances of concern by the authorities.</li> <li>Authorisation required for use of substances of very high concern.</li> <li>Restrictions – Community wide action on substances posing an unacceptable risk.</li> </ul> <p>Both “new” and “existing” substances are covered by REACH. All substances manufactured or imported into the EU in quantities greater than or equal to one tonne per year must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)  in its central database.  REACH applies to all chemicals – not just those used in industrial processes, but also to household products and those used in articles (unless specifically exempted).</p> <h3>REACH Implementation in Ireland</h3> <p>In Ireland, the<a href="http://www.hsa.ie/"> </a><a title="Health and Safety Authority " href="https://www.hsa.ie/eng/" target="_blank">Health and Safety Authority</a> (HSA), the Environmental Protection Agency and the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries & Food have been designated under the Chemicals Act 2008 as the competent authorities for REACH. </p> <h3>REACH Draft Guidance on Waste and Recovered Substances</h3> <p>The European Commission has prepared a draft guidance document clarifying the REACH obligations regarding waste and recovered substances. This document has been handed over to ECHA for further development in co-operation with Member States and relevant stakeholders with a view to its subsequent integration into the relevant REACH guidance documents.</p> <h4>Further Information and Useful links</h4> <ul> <li><a title="Health and Safety Authority" href="https://www.hsa.ie/eng/" target="_blank">Health and Safety Authority</a> </li> <li>Lo-call: 0818 289 389, email: <a href="mailto:reachright@hsa.ie">reachright@hsa.ie</a></li> <li><a title="European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)" href="https://echa.europa.eu/" target="_blank">European Chemicals Agency</a>  (ECHA) </li> <li><a title="REACH - European Commission" href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_en.htm" target="_blank">European Commission DG Environment</a> </li> <li><a title="Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment" href="https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/" target="_blank">Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> 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