Pre-registration
The first REACH obligation, pre-registration, will take place from 1 June 2008 to 30 November 2008. Under pre-registration, companies have to issue basic information (name of substance and registrant, physiological, toxicological, and eco-toxicological data available) on the substance they want to register.

Registration
Manufacturers and importers will create a technical dossier of information on the substances that require registration. In addition, the technical dossier describes the intended use of the substance and provides important recommendations for safe handling and first aid measures. Users of chemicals are advised to communicate proactively with their suppliers to ensure that their uses are covered by registration dossiers of their suppliers. Registration deadlines apply in November 2010, June 2013 and June 2018, depending on the tonnage band or level of concern of the substance.
If the annual production exceeds 10 tons, manufacturers and importers will have to evaluate additional information on effects and environmental behaviour in an additional substance safety report. This report will explain – based on the substance safety evaluation – which possible risks are associated with the respective substance and how these are to be managed. If manufacturers and importers identify gaps of knowledge in the substance safety report, they may propose an approach of how to fill these gaps. The aim is to generate reliable data, but at the same time to avoid unnecessary tests, especially animal testing. The extent of data to be provided increases for annual production volumes of 100 tons and 1,000 tons respectively. There will not be any additional registration mechanisms beyond these thresholds. New substances (those introduced after 1981) need to be registered before they are placed on the market. Their registration will start on 1 June 2008.