REACH came into force on 1st June 2007 and with it the requirement to register all substances (on their own, in preparations or intentionally released from “articles”) which are imported into or manufactured in the EU at 1 tonne per annum or more per manufacturer/importer, unless they are exempted from registration. REACH specifically exempts active substances in biocidal or plant protection products from registration (and authorisation), although other parts of REACH, such as restriction, information provision and data sharing will still apply. You should note however that all non active components of the product or any non biocidal uses of the active will need to be registered by the manufacturer or importer of the substance, if the tonnage threshold is reached.
A case study has been developed which explains this and highlights what companies should be considering has been developed
Further information on REACH, including the text of the regulation (articles 15 and 16 are relevant in this context), can be obtained from the REACH Competent Authority
Email: UKREACHCA@hse.gsi.gov.uk
Phone: 0845 408 9575
UK CA for Biocides
December 2007