REACH is the new system for controlling chemicals in Europe.  It became law on 1 June 2007.

REACH applies to many construction products including glues, paints, solvents, fillers and polishes.

The registration process for chemicals under REACH began on 1 June 2008 with a pre-registration period running until 30 November 2008.  Chemicals not pre-registered must be registered immediately (December 2008) or supply will be illegal.

If you rely upon a product(s) (particularly unusual or specialised ones) we recommend that you contact your supplier to find out if the chemical(s) contained in the product will be registered by whoever makes or imports it.

By doing this, you can assure continuity of supply from your current source, arrange to obtain, in the future, from another supplier, or consider alternative processes not requiring the chemical(s).

• What REACH means for users of chemicals [419KB]