This regulation will fully and radically transform the existing chemicals legislation. It is intended to close information gaps regarding the hazardous properties of approximately 30,000 substances and to ensure that the information required for their safe use is supplied across the entire value chain. Manufacturers and importers will be obliged to compile comprehensive data on the characteristics of materials that they use, produce or import in quantities of more than one ton per year. In a relevant registration dossier, they will have to provide proof that it is safe to use these materials. Unregistered substances will be banned for production or import into the EU market.

With the REACH legislation, the industry will have to face a reversal of the burden of proof. This means that – instead of the authorities – both manufacturers and importers of chemicals will become responsible for testing and risk assessment. They have to assess the safety of their substances and suggest measures to ensure and minimize risks to human beings and the environment. In addition, also downstream users will get involved into the compilation of data as they can provide meaningful information on the chemicals’ use in applications.

For managing the necessary processes, a new European Chemicals Agency (REACH agency) will be established in Helsinki. It will handle the registration of the chemicals in a new database, ensure the quality of the registration data and, in cooperation with national authorities, elaborate a subsequent plan for the evaluation of substances.

At the end of the process, all companies using a certain substance will be held responsible for complying with the security measures decided at European level by applying the safety instructions forwarded throughout the value chain.