Chemical manufacturers must comply with REACH law

A new law will require businesses manufacturing or importing chemicals in Europe in quantities between one and one hundred tonnes annually to be registered before 1 June 2018.

REACH – the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals – will mostly, but not exclusively, impact small businesses. With two years to go before new laws impact businesses, the chemical industry has urged companies to start preparing now.

The Chemical Industries Association, which represents chemical manufacturers of all sizes located across the UK, has led work on helping small businesses get ready. The Association’s subsidiary business REACHReady has full details and CIA has been working with Government and others to develop joint advice, as well as supporting the European Chemicals Agency in its awareness efforts.

CIA’s REACH Executive Silvia Segna said: “Two years may seem like a long time, but it is important that companies start to prepare now. Waiting till later may lead to chemicals not being able to be registered causing disruption to their manufacture and/or import with potential knock-on effects on businesses and product availability. We can win this regulatory challenge.”

SME Publications/ SME XPO 2024