REACH compliance explained

What does REACH stand for?  

REACH is a European regulation that stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals.  

What does REACH cover? 

EU REACH compliance applies to all chemical substances manufactured, sold, imported or used in European Union (EU) countries.  

Which countries does EU REACH apply to? 

The REACH regulation applies to all the member states of the EU. It has been incorporated into the Agreement of the European Economic Area (EEA), meaning it is also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Micro-states like Andorra, Monaco and San Marino are part of REACH due to bilateral contracts and Switzerland has implemented some elements, but not all of it.   

Does REACH affect Eastern European countries? 

There are REACH-like regulations in Eastern Europe that share core principles, such as the registration of chemicals as well as evaluation, authorization and restriction. For more on this, contact Enhesa Product Intelligence, or you can find out more in Professional Development where you can source training around Eastern Europe regulations. 

Is there a UK REACH? 

Yes, there is a UK REACH. Great Britain (GB) has its own REACH chemical regulations for GB manufacturers. GB businesses buying chemicals from the EU/EEA will be importers under UK REACH.  

What is the difference between REACH and RoHS? 

REACH and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances, also known as (Directive 2002/95/EC) overlap in substances they cover. REACH applies to all chemicals used in all products (with a few exemptions), whereas RoHS restricts use of selected hazardous substances, specifically in electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) in the EU. 

Is REACH compliance the law? 

Yes. REACH authorization is required for compliance. REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) entered into force in 2007 and has been updated regularly with revisions to match the advancing market. The European Commission stipulates that REACH compliance is mandatory for market access.  

Is REACH updated? 

Yes. The latest compliance list for REACH (the REACH candidate list of substances of very high concern for authorization) was updated on 16 June 2025, which names the restricted substances. The list is updated twice a year, at six-month intervals. 

Why is REACH compliance necessary? 

REACH legislation is essentially a chemical safety regulation. It protects human health and the environment from chemicals that can cause harm. REACH helps phase out restricted substances and improves innovation and competitiveness. 

Who is accountable to the REACH regulation? 

In this instance of EU regulatory compliance, REACH places responsibility on the industry to manage chemicals risks, ensure safe use of chemicals, and provide the necessary safety information on substances used. Businesses must take accountability for their chemicals, even if the chemicals were from a supplier. 

How do businesses register their chemical information? 

Manufacturers’ and importers’ first step to becoming REACH compliant is to gather information on the properties of the chemicals they use and register this information on the ECHA database. 

Non-EEA manufacturers have the option to appoint an Only Representative (OR) to fulfill REACH obligations. 

What is the threshold to register chemicals for substance evaluation with REACH? 

REACH states that all chemical substances manufactured or imported into the EU that exceed one tonne per year per must be registered with ECHA. However, obligations still apply to companies under that threshold, including restrictions, authorizations and supply chain communications – the threshold of one tonne only applies to registration.  

What do companies need to do for compliance with REACH? 

Companies must identify the risks associated with substances and mixtures they handle, and must explain how they manage them. Businesses should also engage with suppliers to understand what substances make up product materials in the supply chain, to comply with the hazardous substances legislation.

What is a safety data sheet and how is it used? 

Safety data sheets (SDSs) are used by manufacturers and suppliers for communicating chemical information for REACH. SDSs are standard documents for providing listed information about hazardous chemicals in products. This information is presented along with recommended safety precautions and guidance on handling, primarily relevant for an occupational setting. During application for certification, the necessary information is provided via SDSs, as defined in Annex II of REACH.  

What happens after you register your chemicals with REACH? 

Once the information is submitted, ECHA’s scientific teams evaluate it to determine if the substances you use pose risks to human health and the environment. REACH requirements mean substances of very high concern (SVHCs) must be replaced with less harmful substances, when alternatives are feasible. ECHA will then rule on the substance based on the information supplied. If all is acceptable, a REACH certificate of compliance will be issued. 

Can REACH restrict and ban substances? 

Yes. If substances pose an unacceptable risk, they may need to be limited or banned to comply with the EU regulation. 

What punitive consequences are there of non-compliance to REACH? 

Products with unregistered or restricted chemicals can be blocked at EU borders, and large financial penalties may be issued to those failing to prove registration or produce the relevant certification. There have been cases of non-compliance that have resulted in imprisonments – the most severe being six years. 

How do you find out updates and changes to regulatory requirements for REACH? 

A good source of regulatory news is Chemical Watch News & Insight by Enhesa Product Intelligence. The Chemical Watch News & Insight platform offers impartial, trusted news on the developments you need to be aware of for chemicals compliance for products as it breaks.