REACH

Full Name and Expansion of the REACH Acronym

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, which translates into Polish as Rejestracja, Ocena, Udzielanie Zezwoleń i Stosowane Ograniczenia w zakresie Chemikaliów. It is a comprehensive regulation of the European Parliament and the Council (EC) No 1907/2006, which came into force on June 1, 2007.

Main Objective and Scope of REACH

The main goal of the REACH regulation is to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment from risks posed by chemicals. Simultaneously, it aims to support the competitiveness of the chemical industry in the European Union and promote alternative methods for assessing the risks posed by substances to reduce the number of tests on animals.

REACH applies to practically all chemical substances — not only those used in industrial processes but also those present in everyday products such as cleaning agents, paints, and in articles such as clothing, furniture, or electrical appliances. In the lubricants and operating fluids industry, REACH plays a crucial role in regulating product composition and informing about their safe use.

Who is Subject to REACH?

The REACH regulation imposes obligations on various entities in the supply chain:

• Chemical producers: Must register substances introduced to the EU market in quantities exceeding 1 ton per year.
• Importers of substances or mixtures: Have the same obligations as producers.
• Downstream users: Companies using chemical substances in their industrial or professional activities (e.g., lubricant manufacturers, car workshops, industrial plants using oils). They must comply with the conditions specified in safety data sheets and exposure scenarios.
• Distributors: Play a role in passing on information in the supply chain, such as safety data sheets.

Basic Obligations Resulting from REACH

The most important obligations are:

1. Registration of substances: Producers and importers must register substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), providing data on their properties and uses.
2. Information dissemination in the supply chain: The key tool is the Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), which must be provided to recipients of substances and mixtures classified as hazardous.
3. Compliance with restrictions: REACH may impose restrictions on the production, marketing, or use of certain hazardous substances.
4. Applying for authorizations: In the case of substances of very high concern (SVHC), their use may require obtaining authorization.

The Importance of REACH for Safety and Environmental Protection

REACH contributes to a better understanding of the risks associated with chemicals, leading to their safer use. It imposes greater responsibility on industry for risk management, resulting in fewer workplace accidents and occupational diseases, and better protection of the natural environment.

Where to Find Reliable Information?

The main source of information about REACH is the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): https://echa.europa.eu/. In Poland, information can also be obtained through the National Information Centre for REACH and CLP, operating at the Bureau for Chemical Substances.