What is this famous European Union regulation? REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. Come into effect on June 1, 2007, it insure a better protection of human health and environment from the risks associated with chemical substances and also attempts to reduce the number of animal tests.
While promoting the competitiveness of the chemical industry, this European regulation therefore seeks to protect people and the environment from harmful chemicals. Manufacturers are then required to register any chemical substances manufactured in or imported into the EU if their quantity exceeds 1 tonne per year. This requires companies to have informations about the physico-chemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties of the substances they use.
Thus, the use of the substances of greatest concern is strictly controlled. The objective is to achieve their replacement by less dangerous substances. For those that pose a too important risk, their restriction is subject to public consultation. Then, the European Commission and the Member States finally decide whether this substance should be included in Annex XVII. Manufacturers wishing to use a substance in this Annex must comply with the conditions described into it, which may go as far as outright prohibition of production and use.
What about nanoparticles ?
Until now, no distinction concerning nanoparticles has been made in this text. The rules are now clearer, in fact, on 3 December 2018, the European Commission adopted the revision of various annexes in order to take nanomaterials into account. These new rules will apply on January 1, 2020.
For more informations about REACH regulation and updates about nanoparticles.
