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Stricter Regulations Will Apply from 2007
The European Parliament’s REACH (Registration Evaluation Authorization of Chemicals) proposal envisions making industrial enterprises responsible for testing their chemical substances for possible hazards to consumers and the environment.
REACH was passed on 18th December 2006. The new European chemicals legislation will come into force on 1st June 2007. Implementing the steps required by the terms of the 800-page legislation will involve compiling data, analytics and test information at great effort and expense.
Tests, Inspection and Registration Data
In accordance with the “no data, no market” principle, substances will in the future only be permitted to be placed in circulation if sufficient data is available. What is sufficient will depend first and foremost on the volume of production. This will also apply to existing substances that are due for follow-on testing. The higher the volume of production, the more data must be provided.
Harmlessness Must Be Documented
Safety data on physical and chemical properties, toxicity, ecotoxicity and environmental behavior is summarized in a Chemical Safety Report that assesses the substance for possible hazards to humans and the environment. If the substance is found to pose a high risk, it must be evaluated and authorized by the European Chemicals Agency. This may even lead to the requirement that a socio-economic study is submitted.
Chemicals, which are manufactured or imported with a tonnage band above 1 t/a have to be registered throughout the EU.
Intended Use Will Decide
Intended uses are listed in a extended Safety Data Sheet. This dossier informs users along the production chain about the safe (registered) uses of the substance. Should it be used for a purpose other than that for which it is registered, this new use must be registered in turn, requiring new safety testing.
