REACH
On June 1, 2007, the new EU regulation 1907/2006 (REACH) became effective and became directly applicable to chemical manufacturers and importers in the EU member states. REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals.
Summary of REACH
The goal of REACH is to provide authorities with information on chemicals so that the authorities can more accurately assess the potential risk posed by such chemicals and determine whether limitations on the use of any chemicals are warranted. With certain exceptions, companies in the EU that manufacture or import more than one ton per year of a chemical substance must register that substance with the new European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by specified deadlines. The deadline for registration of a chemical is extended if the company submits the required pre-registration to the European Chemicals Agency. Companies importing and manufacturing chemicals are also obliged to provide certain information to downstream users of the chemicals (i.e., companies that use those chemicals) via a Chemical Safety Report (CSR). This information includes information on how these chemicals can be used safely.
The ECHA will review the submitted data, and evaluate the potential risks posed by that chemical. Chemicals that pose a significant potential risk will be subject to "authorization." These chemicals will be prohibited from use unless the use is specifically allowed by the ECHA. In addition, the ECHA may also place limitations or restrictions on how a chemical can be manufactured, processed, managed, or used.
Additional information can be found at the following web sites:
ECHA
CEFIC
Hexion - Ready for REACH
Compliance with REACH is one of Hexion's top priorities. Accordingly, Hexion has dedicated staff working full time on implementing REACH to ensure that Hexion's customers do not experience any delay or interruption in the supply of Hexion products. Hexion's activities include conducting required testing of its chemicals, pre-registering all substances that we manufacture or import, working closely with the authorities to ensure appropriate classification of Hexion chemicals, and working closely with our suppliers to secure an uninterrupted supply of raw materials.
Download Hexion's latest customer letters:
Hexion REACH and CLP customer letter
Hexion SVHC Customer letter
