What is REACH?

Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is a crucial regulation established by the European Union (EU). The REACH regulations were designed to protect human health and the environment from the harmful impacts of chemicals. All chemicals employed in industrial processes and products of daily use such as cleaning agents, paints, textiles and others are regulated by REACH.

Founded in 2007, REACH established a transparent system for chemicals in the EU market. According to REACH, companies must provide sufficient information about the chemicals they manufacture or import at the very least. This is required for proper evaluation and regulation of these chemicals so that their negative impacts on humans and the environment can be reduced.

REACH regulations cover the whole life cycle of a chemical product, right from production to the final disposal. The REACH regulation focuses on safe handling practices and ensures that any hazardous chemicals are phased out or controlled to prevent damages over time.

Objectives of REACH regulation

Three broad areas can be summarised as the objectives of REACH:

• Protection of human health and the environment

The REACH system aims at protecting both humans and the environment from the effects of dangerous chemicals. The regulation checks for high-risk substances and curbs or places a ban on their use unless allowed under special authorization.

• Promotion of alternative methods

The REACH regulation promotes research and development into alternative, safer technologies. The law encourages the use of alternatives to animal testing as much as possible by requiring companies to seek non-animal testing methods before conducting any tests.

• Free flow of chemicals within the internal market

REACH ensures chemical products are circulated freely within the internal market provided they do not breach safety and environmental requirements. This will improve competitiveness and innovation within the internal market by streamlining chemical regulations and placing manufacturers with the responsibility to prove the safety standards for their products.

How does REACH work?

The REACH regulation applies to all chemical manufacturers, importers and downstream users in the EU. This regulation covers many industries that participate in the REACH. The process under REACH can be divided into four main components:

• Registration

It is a requirement that all companies producing or importing more than a ton of a chemical substance per year must register that particular chemical with the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). The dossier of registration must provide information on details about the substance, its application and potential risks and safe handling procedures.

• Evaluation

After registering, ECHA in collaboration with Member State authorities, thoroughly evaluates the chemical substances. This phase involves assessing the provided data to determine if more information as well as further restrictions or authorizations may be required.

• Authorization

Certain hazardous substances are only to be authorized under REACH, meaning their use would be illegal without authorization. Companies must apply for authorization and demonstrate sufficient data that the risks associated with its use is minimal or is outweighed by its benefits.

• Restriction

REACH restricts certain chemicals from being manufactured, sold or used. The purpose of this restriction is to minimize or curb the use of harmful substances and to protect workers and consumers respectively.

Effect of REACH regulations on companies

REACH regulation is of significant importance for firms that operate within the EU or import products into the EU market. Obtaining REACH compliance is a difficult and resource-intensive process. However it is necessary as it provides long-term benefits in ensuring safer use of chemicals and improving sustainability.

• Financial and operational influence

Companies should invest in processes such as data collection, risk evaluation and preparation of registration dossiers. Non-compliance can lead to fines, restricted access to markets or legal action.

• Changes in the supply chain

Not only do manufacturers come under the purview of REACH, but the downstream users, suppliers and importers are obligated to meet REACH compliance. Businesses are expected to ensure transparency about the chemicals used and their associated risks throughout the supply chain process.

• Innovation and competitive edge

Compliance with REACH can push companies to innovate by developing safer, more sustainable products. This helps in curbing health and environmental risks and also enhances market appeal primarily in regions where customers place emphasis on environmentally friendly solutions.

Importance of REACH compliance for textile manufacturers

Textile manufacturers are the most affected by REACH because these industries use an extensive range of chemicals during the production stage such as dyes, coatings and finishing agents. REACH compliance ensures that these chemicals used in textile production do not pose risks to the consumer, the workers or the environment.

Textile industries that fail to abide by REACH regulations must face restrictions, recalls or be removed from the EU market. REACH compliance helps manufacturer establish a sound relationship with their customers, improves their brand reputation and makes the market entry process easier.

Furthermore, compliance with REACH means potentially launching sustainable, environmentally friendly products that are in great demand by consumers looking for safer and more environmentally responsible clothing options.

REACH standards for textiles

EU law requires textiles to meet the highest standards on safety and environmental standards to be legally sold in the EU. The standards specifically target Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), particularly carcinogens, mutagens and substances toxic to reproduction (CMR) and restrict their use. Dyes, flame retardants and chemicals that are used for waterproofing also fall under the restricted or banned category.

Manufacturers in the textile industry should examine and control the chemicals used in their production processes to ensure that they comply with the safety criteria set by REACH. This includes registering the substances, providing adequate data on their safe use and adhering to any authorization or restriction requirements.

Failure to obtain REACH compliance may result in damage to the brand’s reputation and finances. Hence, textile manufacturers must stay informed about the REACH regulations and future updates.

Conclusion

Beyond the legal requirement, REACH compliance is an important step for the promotion of a better and safer future for both the chemical and textile industries. The adherence of companies to REACH regulations guarantees the safety of consumers, workers and the environment. It also supports innovation and sustainability by advocating the use of safer alternatives in place of hazardous chemicals.

At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we provide a full range of services to assist businesses in achieving REACH compliance, including registration, risk assessment and safety data management. Reach out to us today to discover more about our solutions for REACH compliance.

FAQs on REACH regulations

1. What is the registration process under REACH regulation? 

The REACH registration process involves submitting a detailed dossier to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The dossier includes information on the chemical’s properties, uses, potential risks and safe handling procedures. Companies manufacturing or importing more than one ton of a substance per year must register it under REACH.

2. What information is required for REACH registration? 

The information provided for REACH registration must include complete identity for chemicals, physical and chemical properties, toxicological and ecotoxicological data and exposure scenarios of the substance. These data help assess the risk assessment and safety management of the substance.

3. What are Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and are they required under REACH? 

Yes, SDSs are also required under REACH. SDSs contain important information about the risks associated with a substance and advice on how to handle the substance safely. They must be supplied to the downstream users and distributors.

4. What are the deadlines for REACH registration? 

The deadlines for REACH registration depend on the tonnage and hazard level of the substance. Generally, substances of higher risk or tonnes manufactured/imported have an earlier closing date for registration.

5. What is an Exposure Scenario? 

An Exposure Scenario under REACH describes how a substance is manufactured or used throughout its lifecycle and the measures taken to control its exposure to humans and the environment.

6. What are Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)? 

Substances of Very High Concern are chemicals that have been identified as posing serious risks to human health or the environment, for instance carcinogens, mutagens or substances toxic for reproduction. These substances are brought under the obligation of authorization under REACH compliance.

7. What are the requirements for downstream users under REACH? 

The use of chemicals by downstream users has also been compelled to be in accordance with requirements established under REACH. It is accomplished by following the conditions of exposure scenarios, providing feedback to the suppliers and ensuring the customers receive necessary information related to the safety of chemicals.