What does REACH mean?

The REACH regulation is a regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, which targets to improve the competitiveness of the chemical industry of the EU, and the protection of human health and the environment against the risks caused by chemical substances.

The name of the regulation is an acronym, namely “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals” and it records requirements on the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of the chemical substances.

Theoretically, the REACH regulation is obligatory for all kinds of chemical substances: not only for the ones used in industrial processes, but for the ones used in our everyday life, e.g. detergents, paints, and substances in different commodities, such as clothes, furniture and electronic devices, as well. Thus, the regulation has an effect on most companies across Europe.