The new EU Regulation of chemicals concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of Chemicals (REACH) has come into force 1 June 2007. REACH stipulates that manufacturers and importers must document the safe manufacture and use of a chemical. This documentation shall address both human health and environmental risks.

Manufacturers, importers and downstream-users of chemicals within the EU have to analyse how they will respond to REACH. The registration of chemical substances and preparation of the Chemical Safety Report are key elements in the obligations imposed on manufacturers and importers.

One first question a downstream-user should ask his suppliers is whether or not the chemicals or raw materials used in his production will be registered as required by REACH. If not, the downstream-user may need to identify suitable alternatives.

The exposure scenario will be a new instrument for communication of information on safe use of certain registered chemicals through the supply chain. It will be delivered as an annex to the safety data sheet. The downstream-user will need to consider whether his actual use of a chemical are covered in an exposure scenario delivered by his supplier.

DHI offers analysis of immediate and long-term consequences of REACH for you and your company. We offer also assistance to communication with your suppliers, preparation of dossier, chemical safety report, exposure scenarios, and other various assessments required by REACH.

We believe that a REACH analysis and document preparation may be facilitated through collaboration between one of our REACH consultants and your company’s Safety and Environment Manager.