Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & restriction of CHemicals (REACH)

What is REACH?

REACH is a European Union regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals. It came into force on 1st June 2007 and replaced a number of European Directives and Regulations with a single system. The REACH regulations are the key EU/UK legislation which cover the full life cycle of chemicals including nano-sized ones. HSE is the UK Competent Authority, (CA) for this regulation.

With regard to REACH, an EU Competent Authority sub-group on nanomaterials has been established; its objective is to exchange views on existing and arising implementation issues and other matters in relation to nanomaterials under REACH. HSE, in its role as the REACH CA, is the UK representative on this body and is playing a key role in developing a common position.

Further information can be found on HSE's REACH website.