REACH regulation: implementation and preparation for stricter regulations such as PFAS

The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) is nothing new for any manufacturing company that uses at least one chemical substance in its manufacturing and production processes. The European Chemicals Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals has been in force for more than 15 years. All players in the supply chain are affected - from manufacturers to processors and distributors to downstream users of chemical substances, regardless of whether they have hazardous properties or not.

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The REACH regulation is based on a SVCH (Substances of Very High Concern) candidate list, which is updated every six months by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The ECHA is responsible for the regulation of chemicals in the EU and therefore also for the REACH Regulation.

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As part of the chemicals strategy for sustainability, the EU Commission now envisages an amendment to chemicals legislation and, in particular, a revision and tightening of the REACH Regulation as the greatest lever for action. On January 13, 2023, a proposal to restrict PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) as a group was presented. This is a restriction proposal that covers all uses of PFAS. The proposed ban was developed under the REACH Regulation by authorities from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The aim of the ban is to drastically reduce the release of PFAS into the environment.

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On March 22, 2023, this proposal for a ban on manufacture, use and placing on the market (including import) was published by ECHA. This is one of the most comprehensive proposals since the REACH Regulation came into force in 2007.

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If you would like to find out more about the requirements of the REACH Regulation and how you should position yourself now, download our white paper "REACH Regulation: Implementation and preparation for stricter requirements such as PFAS".

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