Basic information on REACH

Pre-registration began on June 1, 2008 and ended on December 1, 2008.

WHAT IS REACH?

   REACH is a regulation adopted by the European Parliament and Council relating to the safe use of chemicals through their registration and evaluation, and in some cases the granting of approvals and imposition of restrictions on the sale and use of certain chemicals.It deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances. (existing text on the page- http://eur-lex.europa.eu/pl/index. htm - OJ L 136 of 29.05.2007 r.).

   The REACH Regulation, applies directly, without the need of introduction into the Polish law. It entered into force on 1 June 2007 and replaced several previously existing community legislation, both the regulations and directives on chemical substances and preparations introduced into Polish law on 11 January 2001.

WHAT CHEMICALS REACH GOVERNS?

   The provisions of REACH cover nearly all chemicals, marketed in quantities above 1 tonne per year, however, a number of chemicals, such as plant protection products, biocides, medicinal products, cosmetics and food or feed additives, regulated by other EC law, are excluded from the scope of some or almost all provisions of the Regulation. Substances derived from nature that are not dangerous and are not chemically modified are also excluded from registration.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY REACH REGULATION?

   Manufacturers or importers of chemical substances or mixtures of chemical substances located in the EU.
   Downstream users processing chemicals, formulating preparations (mixtures) for end use or using formulated products as a part of their business.
   Distributors of chemical substances and preparations.